In the mid 1870's the demand for large frame frontier revolvers was at it's zenith. All the major manufacturers were making them, and Forehand & Wadsworth did not want to be left out. Primarily a maker of "pocket" size revolvers they designed and made their first large caliber big frame, and this is it. Introduced in the mid 1870's in a quantity of LESS than 1,000 revolvers. They are hardly never encountered by the collector today, and when found, most are in derelict condition. This example, Serial No. 124X is one of "THE" very finest. It has 99.999% of all the original factory applied nickel plate. It has softened, ( not bright and shiny) and been UNTOUCHED, and remains all original. ALL factory applied markings, such as barrel address, serial numbers etc.. are present and vividly clear. Mechanically it is in PERFECT working order, in ALL phases of working operation. It is really enhanced by the presence of ORIGINAL Mother of Pearl Grips. The grips have the vibrant colors only natural age of 135 years plus can create. The frame is marked with a California Bear stamped on it, which recently has been discovered as a "trade marking" used by a selling dealer in the old San Francisco area of 1870's California. The mark was used by Vellegia & Slotterbeck  Arms, a dealer in firearms, and high grade shotguns.

If you are a collector of F&W's, or a collector of Frontier Revolvers from the old west expansion era, this is a rare chance for the 1st Model, a.k.a. "old Model" army to collected. In nickel, you would be hard pressed to find a better example! PRICE $5,250

This Forehand & Wadsworth "Old Model" Army comes with it's original holster.