Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Number 1, 3rd Issue

Serial Number: 7240

Year of Manufacture: 1868-1881 / Antique

Caliber: .22 Short Rimfire, Black Powder

Action Type: 7-Shot, Single Action, Tip-Up Revolver

Barrel Length: 3 3/16", Round with barrel rib.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon rounded blade, slotted into the fluted rib of the barrel. The top of the cylinder stop leaf has a "V" notch as a rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth rosewood panels. There are small marks and dings. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition as antique. The inside of the right grip has a matching serial number marked.

Type of Finish: Blued, has since worn to white. Engraved.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore, primarily in the muzzle. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about none of its finish. Most, if not all, of the finish has worn to white. The markings are clear including the engraving. The screw head slots have mild tooling. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces mild play in full lockup of all 7 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a beautiful vintage walnut display case. The interior has a people cloth lining that has areas of rub wear. There is no key included.

Our Assessment: This Smith and Wesson Model No. 1, Third Issue revolver represents one of the foundational metallic cartridge handguns of the 19th century, produced during the period when Smith and Wesson firmly established itself as a leader in rimfire revolver design. Chambered in .22 Short and built on the classic seven shot tip up action, the Third Issue incorporated incremental refinements over earlier versions while retaining the compact, concealable profile that made the Model 1 enormously popular for personal defense during the post Civil War era. The 3 3/16 inch barrel with rib and factory engraving further elevate this example beyond a standard production pocket revolver.

Condition is consistent with an antique revolver that has seen honest period use. The original finish has worn to white, leaving clear markings and legible engraving throughout, while the bore remains mostly bright with sharp rifling and only light muzzle erosion. The rosewood grips are well preserved, with the inside of the right panel correctly numbered to the revolver. Mechanical function remains correct, with mild play noted at lockup, and the included vintage walnut display case adds visual appeal and period character. Overall, this is an attractive and historically significant Smith and Wesson pocket revolver that illustrates the early evolution of American cartridge handguns.