In 1852, Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson produced the lever-action Volcanic pistol with funds from investor Oliver Winchester. In 1856, they manufactured a revolver-and-cartridge combination which would be marketed as the Smith & Wesson Model 1. The timing of their new company proved opportune as the onset of the American Civil War would produce tremendous demand for Smith & Wesson's innovative products. S&W has driven arms and ammunition advances in three centuries .. 19th, 20th, 21st.