Antique Smith & Wesson Model 1-1/2 Second Issue With Rare 2-1/2″ Barrel

This is an antique Smith & Wesson Model 1-1/2 Second Issue. There were roughly 101000 of these revolvers that were produced between 1868 and 1875. This has a 5 shot fluted cylinder chambered in .32 rimfire. This model was offered in 2 different barrel lengths. The 3-1/2” barrel with the barrel address on top was the common version. This one has a rare 2-1/2” round barrel with the barrel address found on the left side.  The nickel plating remains about 80+% intact. The rosewood grips are in beautiful condition and show a very light amount of handling dings. Mechanically in very good condition with proper timing, good lockup and an almost nonexistent amount of barrel play. These revolvers are a very important part of firearm history with Smith & Wesson having the first reliable cartridge revolver to be commercially sold. The first being the Model 1 chambered in .22 rimfire which saw great success but also showed the need for a stronger calibre. The follow up was the Model 2 chambered in .32 rimfire which saw widespread purchase among American Civil War soldiers for use as a trusted sidearm. After the Civil War Smith & Wesson recognized the need for small concealable firearms and started production on the model 1-1/2. These revolvers were a solid dependable sidearm that helped build Smith & Wesson into the name that is still known today. This would make a great addition to any serious Smith & Wesson collection or also a great first piece to a future respectable collection.