SMITH & WESSON NO. 1 (SMALL FRAME) Description
.31 cal., small steel frame, 4 in. half-round barrel, varnished walnut (bag style shape standard) or ivory grips, blue frame with brown barrel assembly, moderate rose and scroll engraving. Approx. 1,200-1,300 mfg. RF=3.
Barrels are marked: "SMITH WESSON, NORWICH, CT, CAST STEEL" and "FEB. 14, 1854 PATENT" on the barrel flats. Stamping variations are common as to placement, depth, off-center to barrel flats, and even slight double stamps have been observed. "CAST STEEL" is even observed upside down on some guns. Serial numbered from 1-100 initially and then 1-100 again for each letter prefix A-F on the frame and inside the grips for a total of 700 guns. The last 500-600 guns were assembled by the New Haven Arms company using letter prefixes G,H,I. Specimens usually exhibit pitting and or lack of finish.