Civil War-era Smith & Wesson Model 1 single-action, tip-up .22 caliber revolver belonging to 1st Sgt. James M. Byers of Company F of the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment of Militia, whose name is etched beautifully onto a panel in period script: “J. M. Byers, Washn. Pa.” The barrel and cylinder are a smooth mottled grey, and both feature clear Smith & Wesson markings. The barrel hinge is tight with no play; the bore is good with the potential to clean better; the frame and backstrap retain generous amounts of original nickel plating, which exhibit some age flaking; and the two-piece rosewood grips are very good and show practically all of the original varnish. The mechanics are very good, although the safety cock does not hold, which could be attended to with a minor adjustment. Accompanied by a Xerox of an enlistment roster sheet that shows Byers enlisted on September 13, 1862.
