Smith and Wesson's Humble Beginnings

D B Wesson & wife Cynthia

     Horace Smith and Dan Wesson formed Smith & Wesson in the year 1856.  A man by the name of Rollin White held the patent that covered the bore from the front of the cylinder to the rear.  This allowed for a metal cartridge or a powder charge to be inserted from the rear.  At that time, even Rollin White had no idea where the future of the cartridge was heading.  Rumor was that he was examining a patent from Lefaucheux pinfire arms, that was imported into this country from France.  This patent was issued to White on April 3, 1855 and Horace Smith wrote to him in a letter.  "I noticed in a patent granted to you under the date of April 3, 1855 on claim-viz-extending the chambers of the rotating cylinder right through the rear end of said cylinder so as to enable the said cylinders to be charged to the rear end either by hand or by means of a sliding charger operating substantially as described-which I would like to make arrangements with you to use in the manufacture of fire-arms." This was the letter that started it all.  White responded by saying that he would be pleased if Horace called on him on his way to New York.

No. 1 serial number 5,812 in Barney Marsales collection

This is where their relationship began and it seemed to be off to a great start.  Later we would learn that White was not satisfied with the arraignment of .25 cents a pistol and in the very first year S&W sold 4 pistols granting White $1.  The initial payment made to White was $497.50 and you can see that in the very first ledger of Smith & Wesson below.
When I look at the young photo of Horace and his wife, they seem like they are full of ambition and ready to take on the world.  The photograph of Dan and Horace in the second one, shows them when they are slightly older and are more weathered if you will.

This was the very first journal kept by the company in 1856. You can see the first entry
is from Horace Smith.

Does not say when this photo was taken but you can see that they are older
when compared to the wedding photo.

This was the first ad for the No. 1 or Seven Shooter.  From a marketing standpoint
the ad looks really good. The No. 1 is big, bold, and clear.  Description is great.

Reference: Smith & Wesson revolvers, John Parsons , William Morrow & Company, NY 1957