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

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,100.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Oil Hole Revolver
serial #692, 44 S&W American, 8'' barrel with a partially bright about good bore showing areas of moderate oxidation and light pitting with generally good rifling. The barrel and cylinder of this desirable early revolver have mostly toned to a medium gray-brown patina showing some scattered old oxidation and light pitting with flakes of original blue lurking about the protected areas. The frame retains a great deal more original bright blue, perhaps 40%, with the balance similar to the other parts. The hammer and triggerguard retains some good smoky wisps of case-hardened colors, the latch a pleasant silvery case-hardened patina. The single line barrel address and patent dates remain strong and the bottom flat of the barrel shows the proper factory ''oil hole''. The smooth walnut grips remain in near excellent condition right and very fine condition left, the left panel with some light chips along the bottom edge. The right panel is properly stamp-numbered matching by serial number while the assembly number on the frame is no longer legible but is matching on the other components ''R2''. The extractor catch hardware is missing so the whole mechanism no longer snaps properly and the tip of the firing pin is worn and does not protrude from the breech face. Barrel-to-frame fit is otherwise solid and the cylinder times and locks up well with a crisp hammer. A very respectable example of these early large frame Smith & Wesson revolvers. (13C10826-351) {ANTIQUE} [Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson, Jr. Collection] (3000/5000)