Obscure Object of Desire: Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless (1st Model) in .32 S&W

Last weekend, I was at a friend’s mancave discussing some business. As usual, the topic of guns came up. As I was getting ready to leave he said he had something to show me. Out of his safe came the unusual case you see above made of ostrich skin. Before I opened it up, I knew this was going to be something special. I admired the fine stitching and craftsmanship with simple soldered buttons that went into making the case. After I opened it and pulled out the diminutive gat, I chastised my good friend for not making me wear some linen gloves to handle this museum piece . . .

If you look closely, you can see two of my mitt prints on it.

As best as I can tell by serial number, this beauty was made around 1899. Some info on the pistol from Wikipedia: