Smith & Wesson Model 1½ Centerfire .32 S&W Top-Break, 3 Inch, 5-Shot Antique Revolver
This Smith & Wesson Model 1½ Centerfire is an antique top-break, single-action pocket revolver produced during the 1878–1892 era. It features the classic 3-inch barrel, five-shot .32 S&W cylinder, and a spur trigger with a bird's-head grip profile. Marked with the S&W Springfield, Mass. address and patent dates on the barrel rib and bearing matching serial numbers on the butt and cylinder, it presents as a period-correct example with hallmark S&W design cues. SELLING AS IS.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: SELLING AS IS. The cylinder does not rotate when the hammer is pulled back and spins freely. There is visible pitting and some rust present. The front sight blade is missing (originally a pinned half‑moon; pin hole visible on the rib near the muzzle).
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 1½ Centerfire revolver
This Model 1½ Centerfire embodies S&W's compact top-break design with an automatic star extractor for quick ejection on opening. Chambered in .32 S&W with a five-shot cylinder and a 3-inch barrel, it was purpose-built as a pocket revolver of its time.
The revolver uses a single-action mechanism with an external hammer that has a checkered spur. Its spur trigger sits without a trigger guard, and the frame, barrel, and cylinder are carbon steel. Smooth walnut grips form a bird's-head profile that complements the compact frame.
Sighting is straightforward and period-correct at the rear, with a fixed notch integrated into the top latch. The original pinned half‑moon front sight blade is missing on this specimen (see photos).
Collector-relevant details include matching serial numbers on the butt and cylinder and U.S. manufacture in the late 19th century. As an antique revolver from circa 1878–1892, it represents a notable era of S&W pocket arms and top-break engineering.