SMITH & WESSON, MODEL NUMBER 3, SINGLE ACTION .44 CALIBER...EL PASO, TEXAS SHIPPED ! S&W FACTORY LETTER

The Model No.3 was S&W's answer to the Single Action market dominated by Colt. Introduced in 1878 it found limited acceptance, and did not sell at the rate the company had hoped it would. However, MANY Western Frontier icons carried this Model, perhaps the most famous was Virgil Earp, even carrying it at the infamous OK Corral shootout. This Model No.3, Serial No. 3515X is a SPECTACULAR example ! It has 99.9% of all the factory original nickel plating and is fitted with a pair of original EXTRAORDINARY carved Ox Head Pearl grips in perfect condition.

The OX nose stands about 1/4 inch above surface.

El Paso, Texas, it might be said this was the "last of the wild" perhaps the final frontier for Texas. Even into the early 1900's, what with the Mexican revolution taking place , just across the River, and lots of interactive crossings, raids even. El Paso was a real hot bed. Remember, ALL No.3's are ANTIQUE, manufactured before 1898, however shipped until 1912 and after ! This No.3 is unique, as it says in the Factory Letter, one of the very last to be shipped from the warehouse May 21st, 1917. The No.3 works 100% correctly on all working actions ! This is simply a spectacular example of the type LARGE OX HEAD grips,  revolver of the Texas Frontier.

PRICE $ Not Available

IN .44 HENRY RIM FIRE..1874 IVORY GRIPS... ONE OF 857

WESTERN FRONTIER AS YOU CAN GET !!!!

Smith & Wesson had the first practical cartridge revolver on the Frontier in 1870, the 1st Model American. A few design changes were made, and the 2nd Model appeared in 1872, and ceased in late 1874 after about 20,000 were manufactured.  The list of who's , who on the Western Frontier is impressive, all using this American Model.  "Texas" Jack Omohundro, Dallas Stoudenmire, Cole Younger, Belle Starr, Wyatt Earp, and many more ! It was quick to unload and reload, faster than anything else on the market, and was in .44 caliber. This 2nd American, Serial No. 3257X, manufactured in the last year of 1874 was headed for the wild remote hard Frontier of the Southwest and Mexico It is chambered in the .44 Henry Flat Rim Fire caliber.  The rim fire died hard in the remote regions of the American west, coupled with a Henry rifle or '66 Winchester you were a formidable westerner. The American has an eight inch barrel and is a single action with a speedy top break loading and reloading system, which equated to speed kills rather than be killed. The working action is still after 150 years in correct working condition. It breaks open, ejects, close, locks, cocks, rotates locks and fires just as it did in the day ! The overall finish condition is : 35% original nickel on the frame , cylinder and grips area. The balance is a varying degree of gray patina. The most striking and beautiful feature are the ORIGINAL Ivory grips. This American was constantly outside and saw exposure to the elements, creating a fabulous patina. The Ivory is a strong yellow/orange appearance and with NO damage !!  The oldest appearing grips in Ivory that has been seen for a long time, with No damage.

This IS the revolver of the early hard scrabble west, a personal defender in the MOST remote areas of the American Frontier, maybe ? even spending time in Old Mexico like many of the old timers did in the 1870's.

PRICE $ 3,950

S&W 1st MODEL AMERICAN . .44, Marked "MO PY", this stood for Missouri Penitentiary, located at Jefferson City, MO.

This 1st Model American is one of those old revolvers we wish could talk ! 'cause this one would have something to say !! Serial No. 236X was manufactured in 1870, and found itself in service in the state of Missouri. The prison was known as "THE WALLS" by its inmates, for the stout ! enormous stone walls, high and thick ! It was home to many of the toughest desperados in the old west at various times. Members of the James-Younger gang passed through, like Bill Ryan. John Reno of the infamous Reno Gang, who by the way invented Train Robberies, and the toughest of the worst in Missouri where sent there. Starting in 1838. It was known as "The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America". Why, over the years it had many murders, (inside the prison) and several inmate riots, which "in the day" were only handled one way, with lead ! THIS American is marked by the Prison, on the top curve of the back strap. MO PY

A document goes with this American, showing the Penitentiary and some information, and a lead as to where to do more research if desired.

This 1st American, has about a 55-60% blue finish remaining, with some plum color patina showing through. The finish is an ANCIENT re-blue, no doubt applied to the American while in service with the prison system as the revolver began to show wear. ALL factory applied markings are present and clear, barrel address etc...Mechanically, it has perfect working actions. Upon breaking open, the star ejector rises, and return to the cylinder. It closes tight, the cylinder rotates and indexes, and the cocking action is absolutely correct. It is all matching serial numbers, including the grips. . The American is in it's original factory configuration,  eight inch barrel, walnut grips. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THIS IS THE ONLY SUCH S&W AMERICAN TO EXIST, IDENTIFIED TO A WESTERN PRISON, IN THE DAY !!!

PRICE $ 3,950

Serial No. 1287X is in near perfect condition. It has about 99%++ original factory nickel plate finish. There is 99.99% of case color hardening on the hammer and spur trigger. Yes, it has been fired, but probably less than the fingers on your one hand !

  This model has the earliest type hard rubber grips, it has the Block Letters S&W, rather than the traditional entwined S&W logo.

Both grips are in perfect condition, no chips, cracks or any damage what so ever. The RIGHT side of the frame is marked KMP 107. This stands for Kingston Mounted Police, a very early mounted Police force, in harmony with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in Ontario, Canada. In 1878 they enforced the Law from horseback ! My thoughts, this exact revolver must have been issued to an Officer, and it saw limited field duty, as witnessed by the excellent condition. ALL mechanical function for loading, unloading and firing function 100% correctly. A "minty" 2nd Model .38, with significant Police History from 1878.

PRICE $1,500

Besides the KMP 107, the picture clearly shows the 100% presence of all the case hardening colors on the hammer.

This holster is of the more protective type, known as a "flap holster". It is a very nice russet brown color, with a distinct  chain and flower, border stamping. The rear belt loop is not damaged, and there are no breaks in the stitching.

A very well made holster, with Chamois lining. Someone who wanted to carry and respect his new S&W DA   PRICE $350

The holster is clearly marked, 44 5 designating caliber and barrel length. It fits the 44 DA S&W of 1881, 44R or 44WCF perfectly

In 1870 S&W introduced the FIRST practical Metallic Cartridge Revolver, and it was an immediate success. Quickly, small design changes were implemented, and the 2nd Model was the result. It had a little more "metal" around the trigger pin, and a slotted hammer to insure a tighter lock of the top strap. Otherwise, same as the 1st Model. The American chambered the .44 American cartridge, and had an 8 inch barrel. It found immediate acceptance due to its quick ability to load and unload cartridges, and time was IMPORTANT ! This 2nd Model, Serial No. 1413X, is a totally correct example. It has all the factory applied markings, barrel address etc...and ALL parts are original to the revolver, and are matching in serial   (assembly) numbers. The working actions are 100% perfect in all phases and functions. The Walnut grips are smooth, show minimal hand use, and have a fine antique luster and patina. Many famous celebrities of the Old West used this Model, such as : Wyatt Earp  (he actually carried a 2nd Model American engraved to the OK Corral fight), Texas Jack Omohundro, Buffalo Bill, Cole Younger, Belle Starr, Dallas Stoudenmire, just to mention a few ! It was a stout reliable revolver, and "FAST" to operate and fire. This one has a unique feature, the back strap is cut for a detachable shoulder stock. The stock used in this case was a " Key Hole" stock. The attaching end was cut like a key, inserted into the opening, side ways, then turned to lock it into position.

Unfortunately, the stock and American have become separated over the last 140 years. An excellent choice for a collection, a BIG S&W Frontier revolver, and THE FIRST on the Frontier !!  PRICE $3,625

This 2nd American has about 90%+ of all the original nickel plating, with the majority of the loss at the cylinder face, and breech end of the barrel. This makes perfect sense because, this is where the firing blast exits, plus the end of the barrel. Black powder was corrosive. The balance of the American is superb, with all the nickel plate present. There were really, despite their success, not that many made, ONLY 29,000 total between both Models. So, a high condition American is a scarce commodity.