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LOT 1155
Ultra Rare and Excellent Smith & Wesson
First Model American Revolver in .44 Henry Rimfire with Relief Carved Grips and Period Detachable Stock - Serial no. 4310, 44 Henry RF cal., 8 inch bbl., nickel finish, carved antique ivory grips. This is an outstanding example of one of the most rare and highly sought after of the First Model Americans. One of only 200 First Model Americans manufactured in the .44 RF caliber. Manufactured circa 1871. The revolver has a nickel-plated
barrel, frame, cylinder and trigger guard with a casehardened hammer and trigger. The revolver has period hand carved two-piece antique ivory grips. The elaborate monogram “JBMO” is relief-carved
in a shield on the right grip. The back strap has a screw fastened mount for an interesting period detachable skeleton stock with hinged buttplate. The stock has a high polish blue finish. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped with the legend “+ SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG.24. 69+” in one line. The serial number is stamped
on the bottom of the butt. The assembly number “381” is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder,
barrel latch and barrel. The revolver and stock are complete with a contemporary French fitted walnut case with blue velvet lining.
CONDITION: Very good. The revolver retains nearly 95% original nickel-plated finish. Wear
is limited to some very minor spots of flaking on the sides and bottom of the barrel, the trigger guard and the rear edges of the cylinder. The hammer and trigger retain
90% of the original case colors. The stocks
are excellent overall and the edges of the relief-carved monogram are sharp and
showing several attractive circular age
cracks on the bottom of the stocks. The
legend on barrel rib, serial number
and assembly numbers are sharp.
The detachable stock retains 98%
of the blue finish. The case interior
and exterior are excellent. This
is an outstanding example of
a highly desirable First Model
American Revolver in the rarest
of all calibers and in stunning
original condition.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000
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