Smith & Wesson 2

This 1st American, Shipped on June 29, 1871 according to the S&W letter, to M.W. Robinson.

Serial No. 388X is an incredible example of life on the early Frontier. The American shows signs of use and wear, BUT ! about 35+% of the original blue is present, mostly in protected areas. Sides of the barrel, cylinder flutes front of frame. The blending patina gives a much more complete appearance of finish. There are areas of gray  Patina, however this American has never been buffed or polished, an ALL original finish of151 years  of life in the west. The Ivory grips which are original, MW Robinson placed 1871, have the natural life lines and have that Mustard Patina with the antique luster. They are 99% damage free.  This revolver exhibits the appearance of where it was discovered INDIAN TERRITORY, now present day Oklahoma. The Holster is a UNIQUE example of earl decorative style, with Leather FRINGE on the loops, hanging down !!!! Someone really liked this American and put it in a holster a decorative statement. A Holster typical of an Indian Scout or Flashy Frontiersman. Most Important: ALL working actions function 100% correctly, breaking open to eject and the star ejector rises and descend into the cylinder correctly. Ready for re-loading. The working action of cocking, locking, and indexing on each chamber function 100% correctly. NO mechanical issues. If you want a revolver of the early Frontier, this one is the one.

This was an important revolver for S&W, it was the FIRST .32 Rim Fire Model revolver, preceding the No.2 Army. It was a small production of only @26,000 revolvers, and beyond that, ALL the parts were manufactured by King & Smith of Middletown, Ct. S&W assembled all the revolvers and sold them. This revolver Ser. No. 1358X, received top of the line embellishment. It is Engraved by Louis D. Nimschke, all surfaces receiving engraving. Further it is fitted with the ORIGINAL Factory or Nimschke shop, Pearl Grips, which remain in perfect condition. The engraving is intricate and still clear and sharp. The Pearl grips are perfect in radiance and color, with no damage. It has the standard 3-1/2 inch octagonal barrel, five shot cylinder. Regarding the finish: it has about 97-98% original nickel plate finish. What is interesting is the nickel plate, as it shows all the characteristics of the early nickel plating. It is a softer finish , the bright nickel finishes were a few years away. In material published by Robert  (Bob) Schwartz of San Antonio, Texas, it exhibits the early Boetinger process of finish.  A softer less brilliant finish, the bright nickel came later after improvements in the process. Mechanically this 1-1/2 operates 100% correctly, it “tips -up” to open, the cylinder can be loaded, replaced and the revolver closes perfectly. The cocking action is also perfect, as it cocks, indexes, locks tight and releases to fire. As I said a perfect mechanically functioning revolver. This is a splendid Engraved example, by the Master Engraver, of the First Model ( Old Model 1-1/2) suitable for all collectors.

This is a very historical and RARE revolver, with Previous Owner Provenance and S&W Factory Letter. This New Model No.3 is chambered in .44 Russian caliber, and was ONLY ONE of 30 shipped. On December 14, 1881 the S&W company fulfilled an order of 280. units for the Australian Government. This order consisted of 250 Revolvers with a 7 inch barrel, and cut for stock at the factory, along with detachable stocks. ONLY 30 revolvers with the 6-1/2 inch barrel, NOT cut for stock in .44 Russian. The shipping to Australia was interesting, ON December 14, 1881 S&W delivered the shipment to M.W. Robinson, NY. In turn, they delivered the shipment to Winchester Repeating Arms, then along with some Winchester rifles shipped the order to Australia. Further details: all the 7 inch revolvers found will have the British Broad Arrow marking, BUT not the 6-1/2 inch revolvers. They went to Australian Colonial Police, in Western Australia. This revolver, New Model No. 3, Serial No. 524X was previously owned by Dr. Lloyd Hudson, the Dean of S&W collectors, and he along with Douglas Carlson are in agreement as to the “life” of this S&W. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY 30 ever shipped !!!
We know it went to Australia in 1881, how did it come back to the U.S.? In 1953, a business man and enthusiast named Carlos Mason, bought them from Australia and returned them to the U.S. However only 197 of the 7 inch cut for stock, and 21 of the 6-1/2 inch came back. SO !for collectors to find the 6-1/2 inch model is a genuine miracle and rarity !!! A further bonus is the fact it come with it’s ORIGINAL Australian Police Holster. The holster was attached to the saddle, unlike here in the U.S. the Aussies carried it on the saddle, not around their waist. Regarding the No.3 revolver: considering it was issued and rode many ! miles through the out back and bush of Australia it remains in remarkable condition. It has about 75-80% of the original factory nickel finish, only with wear at the top of the grip where the fingers tended to rest when holding. The hammer has ALL it’s case color, and the trigger guard has all, but faded. Mechanically: It is 100% ON ALL working actions. Breaking Open, Loading, Indexing, cylinder rotation, cocking and locking tight for firing. THERE ARE NO mechanical problems. The holster remains supple and obviously fits the No.3 perfectly. Also, letters from 3 highly respected dealers extolling the virtues of this revolver are included. This revolver extolls the slogan of S&W, ” we sell the world”. What a great piece to add to a collection. Remember during this period, Australia was like our “wild west” with their own set of bush rangers, a.k.a. outlaws. Ben Hall, Ned Kelly, ” Mad Dog” Morgan, always being chased by Colonial police, and carrying S&W new Model No.3’s, probably this one !!!

Here we have a very intriguing 2nd Model .38 , Spur Trigger from Smith & Wesson. The Factory Letter , matches Serial No. 9965X, in barrel length, finish and caliber. The only variation is the grip, which list as hard rubber. However, there is NO doubt the Ivory Grips were added by the recipient immediately. Who was the recipient ? Shipped on April 15, 1886 to Emilio A. Combaluzier, Mexico City, Mexico. The grips have a very faint mustard patina, but not like many grips constantly exposed to the sun and elements. Wonderful condition ! Of the 50 sent, this was the second one sent by serial number. Combaluzier was a French dealer going all the way back to French occupation under Maximillian Y Carlotta. As I said quite an alluring destination, as close to 99% of S&W shipments went to M.W. Robinson in New York, City. They would then distribute the revolvers. The original Factory Nickel plated finish remains strong, at about 97-98% with only a few dark freckles. ALL factory applied markings: barrel address, serial number all remain strong and legible. MECHANICS: ALL working actions function 100% correctly. Opening notch, cocking, locking, indexing, and releasing to fire. the ejection system is 100% also, with the star ejector rising and returning when the revolver is opened. An additional feature is the Lanyard ring, seldom if ever found o a domestic model, and noted in the Factory Letter. This perfect sized .38 was easy to carry and use, and still “packed a punch” . This one saw limited “outside” use indicating it was a carried revolver and protected by clothing. Between Ivory grips, overall condition and shipping location it makes a very good fit for S&W collectors or any frontier era collector.

WELLS, FARGO & Co. EXPRESS 1st MODEL SCHOFIELD…AREA OF USE, IDENTIFIED….TEXAS

Here we have a very special 1st Schofield .45, first being in US Service/Cavalry, then sold as Government surplus to NY dealers, then sold to Wells, Fargo & Co. as a guard revolver. Serial No. 122X has had a colorful career ! The surplus revolvers were sold to two NY firms, Hartley& Graham and Bannerman. Each had a slight variation in marking for Well, Fargo. Bannerman used block lettering, while H&G used Italic lettering. This revolver was sold by Hartley & Graham to W.F. & Co. Ex. It has the revised barrel length of five inches, and was nickel plated at time of refurbishing by H&G. All else aside it is totally original, ALL parts are original, ALL markings are clear and distinct, and it is 100% mechanically perfect. The H&G nickel finish is about 40% present, with the balance a dark plum untouched patina. The finish has never been cleaned or touched, all original.

An incredible piece of Western History, US Cavalry, Wells , Fargo and El Paso, Texas. Probably the most multi faceted W.F.& Co. Schofield I have ever encountered. A rare collecting opportunity !

RARE, RARE

A Russian revolver is INDEED a rare find today, anywhere, especially in the U.S. Once these revolvers were shipped by S&W to Russia, they hardly if ever left the country. They were stored in the Arsenals, and unbelievably saw use all the way up to WWII. This 3rd Russian , Russian is Serial No. 1458X, and was in the first shipment of 1874. In 1874 Russia was entangled in a War with Turkey and Uzbek. Surprisingly this revolver is by all reasonable comparisons to service revolvers in very good condition. It has about 55-60% original blue, ALL parts are original, and the mechanics are PERFECT !

The Ivory grip is relief carved into a typical Civil War era Patriotic motif. The carving is known as ” Lady Columbia” wearing the Liberty Cap and surrounded by an American flag at her neck. The No.2 Army was the largest frame revolver that S&W had to offer during the Civil War, chambered in .32 rim fire long. Serial No. 1980X exemplifies the deluxe treatments available for the right buyer. It was extremely popular with the soldiers, both enlisted and Officers. Many famous personages carried them or owned them, such as George A. Custer, and “Wild Bill” Hickok. The number of presentations to the Military we will never know, BUT this one was certainly a special No.2. It is FULLY and originally Silver Plated, deluxe grips and cased. Mechanically it works 100% correctly on ALL working actions. The case has an antique patina, excellent color and NO damage. The interior is a wonderful wine color showing only age with NO rips or damage. The Silver plate is still very strong , with only a minimal spot or two where some patina has formed. Overall it is a 90% finish, still present. The cylinder still has the 1855 and 1859 original patent dates clearly exhibited around the center of the cylinder.

Domestically this revolver is incredibly difficult for the collector to obtain. Approximately 5,000 were manufactured for sale to the Turkish Government. This was accomplished by altering the standard production frame to accept the rim fire hammer. The center fire hole on recoil shield (frame) was filled, and the slot was cut to accommodate the rim fire hammer. Serial No. 4087X is one of these rare No. 3 Russians. This revolver was shipped to Turkey as one of the 5,000 filling the military contract. Removing the grips. on the left side of the grip frame, you will find Turkish Characters on the frame edge.

The Model No. 3 , a.k.a. The American .44 Model, really put S&W into the game ! Prior to 1870, the company’s only “big frame” revolver was the less than big frame Army No. 2 in .32 rim fire. However in 1870 they geared up and introduced the top break, .44 Models, the American Model in .44 AM, and the Old Old Russian Model in .44R, physically the same except for caliber. QUICKLY followed by the 2nd Model, which made a slight change in the frame, to accommodate the stronger trigger hold pin. This 2nd American, Serial No. 2175X, is in remarkable condition. It has about 95% of all the original nickel plated finish. What is IMPORTANT, it has never been touched ! no cleaning, polishing etc… it has that natural 141 year old luster. ALL assembly numbers are matching, all serial numbers match, and ALL parts are original. Mechanically it operates PERFECTLY, breaking open, closing, cocking, locking and firing , every time ! ALL factory applied markings are present and visible.