FRT Report Valid as of: 2023/06/05

Firearm Reference Number (FRN): 39287 Page: 83653 / 104314

Make: Smith & Wesson
Summary Model: Tip Up 32 No 1 1/2 Issue 1 Old Model

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Tip Up 32 No 1 1/2 Issue 1 Old Model
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Level: Manufacturer Specifications and Commercial Customization
Type: Handgun
Action: Revolver
Country of Manufacturer: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Serial Numbering: See Note
Legal Classification: Antique

Calibre, Shots and Barrel Length

Legal Classification
Barrel
FRN Calibre Shots (mm) Legal Authority Level Barrel Type Code
39287 - 1 32 RF 5 89 Antique Manufacturer Specifications and
Commercial Customization
AFR, Section 1, para. 6
39287 - 2 32 RF 5 102 Antique Manufacturer Specifications and
Commercial Customization
AFR, Section 1, para. 6

Notes

Make - "SMITH & WESSON" is marked on the top of the barrel.

Model - it is believed that approximately 26,300 of this model were manufactured circa 1865 to 1868.
- features include: square butt profile (the No 1 1/2 Transition model had a bird's head grip); spur trigger, single-action trigger mechanism; tip-up barrel; non-fluted cylinder;
round front sight.
- may also be known as "Model 1 1/2 1st Issue".
- from serial number 1 to 15,304 the top of the barrel was marked "SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD, MASS." over "PAT'D. APR. 3. 1855. & JUL. 5. 1859.". After serial
number 15,304 a further patent date of "NOV 21, 1865" was added.
- may also be known as "Model 1 1/2 1st Issue".

Manufacturer - "SMITH & WESSON" markings are found on the barrel.

Serial Number - serial number is marked on the bottom of the butt, ranges from 1 to 26300 (approximately).

Firearms Reference Table, Specialized Policing Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police. All rights reserved, RCMP, 1998-2023.
 FRT Report Valid as of: 2023/06/05
Firearm Reference Number (FRN): 39287 Page: 83654 / 104314

Remarks - there is much confusion when identifying early Smith & Wesson revolvers. Smith & Wesson used a numbering system to identify receiver/frame sizes. The confusion
results from the same number being used to identify small rimfire revolvers with a "Tip Up" barrel as well as centre-fire revolvers with hinged barrels that "Tip Down".
- the "No 1" receiver/frame size designation was used for models chambered for calibre 22 Rimfire ammunition only. There were several variations/types of these
revolvers.
- the "No 2" receiver/frame size designation was used for models that had six shot cylinders and were chambered for calibre 32 LONG RF ammunition that used a "Tip
Up" barrel, as well as for models with a five shot cylinder chambered for calibre 38 Centre-Fire ammunition that had a hinged, "Tip Down" barrel. Although both versions
were so equipped, the Centre-Fire variant is commonly referred to as the "38 Single Action" or "38 Single Action No 2".
- the "No 1 1/2" receiver/frame size designation was used for models that had five shot cylinders and were chambered for calibre 32 LONG RF ammunition that used a
"Tip Up" barrel, as well as for models chambered for calibre 32 Centre-Fire ammunition that had a hinged, "Tip Down" barrel. Although both versions were so equipped,
the Centre-Fire variant is commonly referred to as the "No 1 1/2 Single Action" or "32 Single Action". The "No 1 1/2" was smaller than the "No 2".
- the "No 3" receiver/frame size designation was used for a model (very rare) that had a four shot, calibre 41 RF cylinder and a "Tip Up" barrel, as well as a large "Top
Break" design that had a "Tip Down" barrel and was offered in numerous centre-fire calibres.

Cross-References
FRN Make Model Manufacturer Type Action
21928 Smith & Wesson Tip Up 32 No 1 1/2 Issue 2 New Model Smith & Wesson Handgun Revolver
39283 Smith & Wesson Tip Up 32 No 1 1/2 Transition Model Smith & Wesson Handgun Revolver

Also Known As/Product Code

1 1/2

1 1/2 Tip-up

Model 1 1/2 1st Issue

Model 1 1/2 First Issue

No 1 1/2

No 1 1/2 Tip-up

Old Model No. 1 1/2

Old Model Tip-up

Tip-Up

Tip-Up 32 No 1 1/2 Issue 1 Old Model

Year Dates No Data

Importer No Data

Firearms Reference Table, Specialized Policing Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police. All rights reserved, RCMP, 1998-2023.