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Excellent Rare Early Three Digit Serial Number Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 1st Model "Oil Hole"

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Excellent Rare Early Three Digit Serial Number Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 1st Model  Oil Hole
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Estimate: $15000 - 25000
Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, the Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 1st Model represented a number of firsts for Smith & Wesson. It was the first top break auto ejector and the first in a large caliber (.44 S&W Amer. and .44 Henry Rimfire). There is an "oil hole", as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model, located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug. The one line address and patent dates appear on top of the barrel rib flanked by Maltese crosses. The serial number appears on the butt with the matching assembly number "A4" on the right rear heal of frame (under grip), rear cylinder face, barrel and barrel latch. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, pinned blade front and notch rear sights and fitted with smooth walnut grips. Under contract to the U.S. Government Smith & Wesson produced 1,000 of this model for the cavalry soldiers of the U.S. Army and the remainder for civilian sales. This particular revolver is a Civilian Model. Difficult to obtain in any condition, an American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm.
BBL: 8 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 44 American
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 874
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 80% original blue finish with areas of smooth brown patina on the barrel and cylinder, and some thinning on the front strap. The hammer retains nearly all of the original beautiful case colors and the trigger guard shows a mix of muted original case colors and smooth gray patina. The grips are very fine with some lower edge wear and a few minor dents and dings. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. The combination of the early oil hole and the overall condition of this revolver make it extremely difficult to improve upon.