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LOT 75
Excellent Documented Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 21089, 44 S&W American cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Smith & Wesson introduced the American Model 3 years before the Colt Single Action Army revolver and is probably, more than any other model, associated with the historic American West. As S&W expert Roy Double pointed out over fifty years
ago, “This was a work gun; a big, heavy-caliber holster gun worn openly and ready to hand; a timely gun indigenous to America on the move and a part of America’s greatest adventures.” Difficult to obtain in any condition, this American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm.
Exceptional examples, like the one offered here, are very
seldom encountered. This example is certainly worthy of the finest collection. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold on May 10, 1873 and shipped to S&W’s largest distributor M.W. Robinson of New York City with an 8 inch barrel, nickel finish, and smooth walnut grips. The letter goes on to state that the shipment was for 40 guns in the same configuration. The top of the barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking. Matching assembly “419” appears on the right side of the grip frame, rear cylinder face, barrel, and barrel latch. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun.
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