Smith & Wesson

This S&W American .44 is a remembrance of the Wild Times in Frontier Oregon of the 1870’s.  The Revolver, Slim Jim Holster and Maker Marked Badge DEPUTY SHERIFF CROOK COUNTY OREGON. ARE ALL original and Period to the American .,44. The American also comes with a FACTORY LETTER  from S&W  signed by Roy Jinks . Shipped in February of 1874 to S&W’s only Distributor M.W. Robinson, New York. From there it appears in Prineville, Oregon, in the Sheriff’s office. The 2nd American has had the barrel reduced “in the day” to4-3/4 inches. from the original 8 inches. Matched with a border embossed Slim Jim holster, reduced in length to accommodate the shortened barrel. It has a wonderful smooth patina, and shows it PERFECTLY fits the American . THIS OUTFIT HAS BEEN TOGETHER SINCE MID 1870’S IN OREGON. THE REVOLVER ONCE BLUE, STILL EXHIBITS MINUTE TRACES OF BLUE AND CASE COLOR, BUT IS A DARK BLUE-plum PATINA. All Factory applied markings are present, barrel address, Serial Number, 2955X The original Walnut grips are serial matching to the American. IMPORTANT: the Working Action is 100% correct, as when new. Star ejector rises, ejects then returns into the cylinder, revolver snaps closed, and is ready to be cocked additionally, ALL parts are the original factory parts. RESEARCH: shows and tells us this American was involved in a wild western situation. Normal to the Frontier, there was the organized “outlaw” bands practicing rustling,  robbery of all kinds. Crook County answered with Vigilantes, administering Justice as they saw fit !  In many cases became worse than the outlaws, drunk with power UNTIL 1878 comes along, and a Young man who worked as a Cowboy on his Fathers Ranch, exhibited no fear and a sense for justice. First to track down rustlers and present them for justice. He was elected Sheriff, J.M. ‘Jim” Blakely. It is said he put an END to Vigilantism. He appointed as his Deputy Sheriff, John Luckey. He has a shoot out with a fellow named Langdon, really ending outlaws and Vigilantes. THE Badge that has been with this American .44 and Holster , is Deputy Sheriff, Crook County, Oregon. It also is a professional bade, maker marked on the back! C.D. Reese, Warren St, New York. All this took place in Crook County, which is Central Oregon. James Blakely and John Luckey remained in Office in Prineville, until 1882.  I also researched and have a photographic Image of Blakely. This S&W American .44 was part of the REAL History of the OLD WEST in Crook County Oregon. As the great Boxer Evander Holyfield said, it is THE REAL DEAL ! An excellent opportunity for a Collector of the Old West.

This New Model No.3, is a strikingly attractive 1st year revolver, with about 90% original nickel, and original thick pearl grips. The grips show that slight yellowing patina, associated with old pearls. Serial No. 197X also has blue finish on the latch parts and pivot point. Every screw head is fresh showing NO tool marks ALL factory applied markings are clean and visible, Serial Number, two line patent and address on barrel top. IMPORTANT, ALL mechanical actions are 100% correct. It breaks open, shells are extracted, then the extracting rod quickly returns inside cylinder. ALL the hammer notches are correct, it cocks, locks, and releases to fire flawlessly, Easier to say 100% perfect working actions! PLEASE NOTE. when first examining the New Model this is easily missed* On the left bottom edge of frame, below the cylinder in letters  I would say 1/64″ high, THERE is a ONE LINE Roll, obviously factory. This Roll Die is in Spanish.

VERNEY  Y COBERT  21 PERU BUENOS AIRES, a Maltese Cross is in front and back of the roll

Therefore this revolver was shipped to Buenos Aires Argentina @ 1879 A Factory Letter would be interesting, but currently the wait is in months ! This possibly could have been an American Company operating in Argentina

This New Model is very desirable in this condition, and with an exotic past location, even more so.

This is a very historical revolver, involved in making history, domestically and in foreign theatres.  Smith & Wesson No.3 Russian .44 revolver. IT IS VERY INTERESTING, THAT AN ARMY COLONEL CHOSE A S&W REVOLVER TO CARRY. WHY NOT, ? IT HAD MANY ADVANTAGES OVER THE COLT REVOLVER. A MORE RAPID RE-LOAD, AND MANY CLAIMED A BETTER BALANCED SHOOTER AND MORE ACCURATE. THIS 3RD RUSSIAN COMES WITH A FCATORY LETTER. DETAILING AS YOU SEE IT, NICKEL FINISH, WALNUT GRIPS, .44 Cal.6-1/2 INCH BARREL. SHIPPED ON AUGUST 5, 1877, To M.W. Robinson, NY, City. They were the main distributor for S&W. the Beautiful Script  Engraving of: Col. D.B. Case, 4th Pa. was undoubtedly done by M.W.R. at the request of Col Case. By late 1877 the revolver was in the possession of Major David Brainard Case 4th Pa. Regiment. Currently it has about 40% of the original nickel finish. The balance a plum patina, All natural, never having been cleaned. It is of My Opinion, it was carried in a Holster most of the time. As the lost nickel, mainly Cylinder and barrel indicate holster use.  The cylinder and barrel are always making contact and motion with the Holster. The Walnut grips are smooth with a hand patina, no damage. IMPORTANT: This No3 Russian still has 100%

PERFECT Working Actions, ejecting spent cartridges, breaking open and closing flawlessly. the firing action of cocking etc.. function perfectly NO mechanical issues.

WHERE does the Historical Significance Begin ??

In 1892 Case was a Major in the 4th Pa. / infantry unit. Then a classic confrontation took place in HOMESTEAD Pennsylvania. The town is located very near Pittsburgh, it was the Largest CARNEGIE Steel Works. Carnegie was a hard core Industrialist of the period.

The workers were attempting to join/Form  a Union. In response, Carnegie ordered their Wages Cut . THIS QUICKLY ESCALTED INTO SERIOUS VIOLENCE. So violent the Governor of Pa. called in the Military to stop the / STRIKE

/RIOTING  There were shootings, beatings, death etc… A tactic in our Current American Workplace  which could never happen. It finally ceased, and Major Case served quietly, then his chance came, The Spanish American War 1898. He enlisted as a Volunteer, and so was the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteers. In 1898 he was in Cuba, participating in most major engagements. From there he was assigned to the Philippines, and was bumped up to Colonel. He did an excellent job at his duties, and finished the war in Puerto, Rico  Head of all Commissaries. ALL this time he was carrying his no.3 Russian Revolver. By 1900 he became a lawyer and mover and shaker in PA.

WITH THIS SALE COMES A FULL PORTFOLIO OF DETAILED HISTORY OF COL CASE AND MANY !!! PHOTOGARPH COPIES OF THE ACTIONS AND THE AREAS HE SERVED. Also S&W Factory Letter.

IMPORTANT MEXICAN HISTORICAL FIGURE…IGNACIO MEJIA 1872..

This is an absolutely exquisite and beautiful work of the engravers art. It is full exhibition level engraved, in the intricate and wonderful style of Louis Daniel Nimschke. In the last half of the 19th century he engraved about 500 firearms for S&W, Colt, Winchester plus other works of art.

Here we have the marriage of history, important historical figures, and a world class high condition S&W American revolver, engraved by the master Louis D. Nimschke.