
Welcome to right this moment’s Photo of the Day! This little .32 caliber revolver packs extra historic punch than its dimension suggests – it’s considered one of two particular exhibition items bought by Horace Smith himself in 1866, making it primarily the founder’s private gun. What makes this S&W Mannequin 1½ particular is the distinctive mixture of manufacturing facility engraving and 4-inch barrel (customary was 3½”). It’s the one recognized instance with this configuration. The revolver is silver-plated with a gold-plated cylinder, adorned with manufacturing facility engraving by F.W. Martin, S&W’s first full-time engraver. Essentially the most charming element is the whimsical scene on the cylinder exhibiting a fox wearing looking garments holding a pistol on a surrendering rabbit – quirky humor you hardly ever see on nineteenth century firearms. The provenance is rock-solid, tracked by Charles Corridor’s handwritten assortment ledger. Corridor famous receiving the gun from his brother Edward, writing: “Mr. Horace Smith of Smith and Wesson was an excellent buddy of ours. Papa and Mama used to go to them they usually, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, got here as much as see us and keep few days. They have been very good individuals.” In accordance with S&W historian Roy Jinks, manufacturing facility data present Horace Smith bought two engraved pearl-grip Mannequin 1½ revolvers on June 16, 1866 – one for $30 and one other “barely extra elaborate” for $40. The primary gun (serial #15653) stays within the S&W manufacturing facility assortment, whereas this one (#15655) discovered its means by varied personal collections. This revolver earned the NRA’s prestigious “10 Greatest” Silver Medal in 2010, recognizing its distinctive historic significance as one of many private firearms of the person who helped create considered one of America’s most profitable gun corporations.

“Horace Smith’s Engraved Smith & Wesson Mannequin 1 ½ Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/1170/horace-smiths-engraved-smith-wesson-model-1-revolver. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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