Vintage 1866 Smith & Wesson Model 1 .22 Revolver

Description

1866 Smith & Wesson Model 1 .22 Revolver Overview:

Step into nineteenth-century American arms history with this historically rich 1866 Smith & Wesson Model 1 .22 Revolver. Manufactured as the landmark firearm that revolutionized cartridge technology, this iconic single-action tip-up revolver represents a premier centerpiece for curators and serious investors in antique rimfire firearms collectibles.

Chambered for the revolutionary .22 Short black powder rimfire cartridge, this Smith and Wesson Model 1 Second Issue (produced circa 1866–1867 with serial number 94801) showcases classic American craftsmanship. It features a 7-shot unfluted cylinder, an octagonal iron barrel with crisp “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass.” roll markings, patent dates through Dec. 18, 1860, and a spur trigger. The nickel-plated brass frame displays honest age patina, perfectly offset by high-gloss flared rosewood grips and matching assembly numbers (“HH4”).

What elevates this firearm into an extraordinary museum-grade artifact is its direct Confederate Surgeon provenance historical firearms lineage. The revolver was owned by Dr. William Proby Young (1834–1892), a Washington, D.C. physician who served as Assistant Surgeon in the 4th Georgia Infantry. Young was wounded and captured at the Battle of Antietam while treating injured troops in the legendary Cornfield, later exchanged, promoted to full Surgeon, and served through the surrender at Appomattox Court House before returning to D.C. to practice medicine. Sourced directly from Dr. Young’s daughter, this post-war pocket piece was treasured as a tangible legacy of a storied combat surgeon’s life.

As one of the most widely recognized Civil War era pocket revolvers, this authentic sidearm connects mechanical innovation with deeply personal American history. Learn more about the Smith & Wesson Model 1 HERE

Whether enriching a dedicated military medical display or building an elite historical arms portfolio, this 1866 Smith and Wesson Model 1 .22 Revolver delivers verified provenance, mechanical integrity, and timeless collector appeal.