S#: 12 | Mfg. 1896 | 4-1/4" Barrel | 6-Shot SA/DA | This is the 12th Revolver produced in the first batch of .32 Hand Ejector First Models or also known as the Model of 1896 out of 19,712 Total Production Numbers from 1896-1903. Early Features include 3-screw design, first style upward curved hammer, and scarce solid extractor rod knob. This revolver has been upgraded with fitted Genuine Pearl Grips whether it was from the factory or aftermarket is an incredible upgrade for this piece. It combos so well with the nickel finish. Special Recognition is that this was the first model manufactured by Smith & Wesson with the swing-out cylinder, and thus is very important in the evolution of the Smith & Wesson double action revolvers. |||| MARKINGS: The swing out cylinder is marked "Smith & Wesson -Springfield Mass - U.S.A. Patented - July 1. 84. - April 9. 89. - March 27. 94. - May 29. 94. - May 21. 95. - July 16. 95". |||| MECHANICAL DESIGN: The most unusual features of the First Model revolvers, however, were the location of the cylinder stop, which was mounted in the top strap, rather than the bottom of the frame like most revolvers, and a small notched rear sight pinned to the top strap forward of the cylinder’s centerline. When the gun was fired double-action, or the hammer manually cocked, the top strap (and thus the rear sight) were raised slightly by a wedge on the hammer nose that lifted the locking bolt from the cylinder stop, allowing the next chamber to rotate into battery |||| CONDITION: Good. Retaining 60% Original Nickel finish with spotted flaking and thinning. Beautiful genuine pearl grips that are solid with minor chips. Mechanically Functions. Bore shows good rifling with some minor pitting ||||| CLASS: ANTIQUE