102

Rare U.S. Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Oil Hole Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare U.S. Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Oil Hole Revolver
CURRENT BID
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
2,500.00USD
USD
2,500.00 x 1 unit = 2,500.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
serial #1475, 44 S&W American, 44 S&W Russian, 8'' barrel with a mostly bright very good bore showing some areas of light oxidation and minor pitting with mostly crisp rifling throughout. This is one of 800 blue-finished examples purchased circa 1871 by the U.S. Army for testing. The metal surfaces have mostly toned to a medium gunmetal gray patina showing evidence of an old light cleaning with some remnants of old light dings and pinprick pits that are partially smoothed-over. The protected areas of the barrel rib and cylinder flutes retain a healthy amount of original bright blue, the triggerguard with an old arsenal-quality blued finish, and the hammer retaining fine vibrant case-hardened colors throughout. The latch and frame lugs show a few old dings or tool marks that are relatively unobtrusive and the proper markings remain intact and strong showing single line address and ''US'' on barrel rib and small inspector initials on the major components. The smooth walnut grips remain in very good condition showing some scattered old dings and the left panel with a neatly-repaired length-wise crack. The inside of the right panel appears to be stamp-numbered ''1872'' and the exterior of the left retains a softened but good inspector cartouche. The remaining numbered parts are matching by assembly number ''U2''. The included factory letter indicates the revolver was sold some time around March 16, 1871 and delivered to the U.S. Government, Springfield Armory as one of the 800 blued finish revolvers (along with the 200 nickel-finished guns). A very respectable example of these desirable US revolvers for the Smith & Wesson or martial collector. (13C11556-6) {ANTIQUE} (3500/5000)