The Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 First Issue Revolvers were the first successful American metallic cartridge. They were manufactured in 1857-1860. Only a little over 200 of the original version were manufactured. On these early revolvers the recoil plate rotates with the cylinder and has a small key on the left side of the recoil shield. They also have a "bayonet" style barrel catch. The revolver features a low rounded blade front sight, "SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS." on top of the rib, a notch rear sight, Rollin White patent marking around the cylinder, rounded profile brass frame, and matching serial numbers on the barrel lug, cylinder face, both grips, and toe. The bottom of the grips at the heel have "E/J" on the left and what looks like an anchor on the right. It comes in a scarce gutta percha case. Per the NRA Museums: "the firm later offered an optional gutta percha case for an additional charge of $1.25. Approximately 5,000 of these cases, which were produced by Littlefield, Parsons & Co., included a bas relief design featuring the revolver and the Smith & Wesson name on the lid. These cases are rarely encountered today." In addition to the First Issue revolver on the lid, it has "MANUFACTURED ONLY BY/SMITH & WESSON/SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS," revolvers around the upper and lower border, patriotic designs on the corners of the lid and revolvers on the border of the bottom of the case. The inside of the case has brown velvet lining with embossed patterns and a cartridge block. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection