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LOT 66
Exceptional Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver in Rare .44 Henry - Serial no. 26035, 44 Henry RF cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1872 to 1874. This is one of approximately 3,014 No. 3 American 2nd Models chambered in the highly prized .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Of the 3,014 produced, only 2,157 lack a notched hammer like this example. Overall this is a very rare variation of the No. 3 American in fine condition. It also has the one-line address/patent dates marking on the barrel rib, standard sights, and provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) on the butt. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Many rimfire chambered Americans went to Mexico through the S&W distributor Wexell & Degress where they saw hard use. Fine condition examples like this revolver are rarely encountered.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 60% plus bright original high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown- gray patina. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine with some high edge wear and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A No. 3 American chambered in highly
prized .44 Henry missing from even the most advanced collections. A must have for the serious S&W collectors looking to complete their collections!
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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