Fancy engraved Smith & Wesson Model 1 ½ New Model .32 caliber revolver. This model was also called the Model One-and-a-half, 2nd Issue and was only made from 1868-1875. Serial numbers ran from 26301-127100. The number on this example is 68002 which puts the manufacture date at approximately 1870. This model was a popular early cartridge revolver that had the obvious advantage of firing fixed ammunition, in this case .32 Rim Fire shells, instead of slow loading cap and ball revolvers. Since S&W held the patent for “bored through” cylinders for cartridges, Colt, Remington and other competitors had to still manufacture revolvers of the percussion ignition variety in which each chamber of the cylinder had to be muzzle loaded with powder, ball and a percussion cap. The new S&W revolvers were fast to load and offered quick reloading in an emergency. Relatively small in size, the Model 1 ½ offered at least the same power as the popular colt 1849 percussion pocket revolver. This proved a popular revolver with urban dwellers needing a concealed handgun for protection as well as for thugs and outlaws needing the same kind of weapon for nefarious purposes! S&W offered this model in either blue or nickel finish. Engraving was an expensive option and is rarely encountered. This 5-shot revolver is of the tip-up design in which the barrel swings upward for loading. Fired cases are removed by simply pulling forward to remove the cylinder and then using the projecting ejecting bar under the barrel to knock the empty shell casings out. This fine example is nickel plated with fairly full coverage of engraving on the cylinder, barrel, frame and back strap. The top of the 3 ½” barrel displays all the correct Smith & Wesson markings and patent dates. While this revolver was obviously carried and shows wear and oxidation mainly on the right side of the barrel and on some small portions of the cylinder, it retains fine scroll engraving and good nickel. Interestingly, in the book Smith & Wesson Engraving by Michael Kennelly there are several similarly engraved revolvers pictured. This revolver is also fitted with excellent condition rosewood grips, has the rear sight ahead of the hammer intact, functions correctly and still shows good rifling in the bore. All engraved Smith & Wesson revolvers are rare and desirable, especially the very early models like this one. The revolver weighs 12oz. Serial Number: 68002. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.