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LOT 1102
Smith &
Wesson Model 3
American 1st Model
Single Action Revolver
- Serial no. 5607, 44 S&W
American cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, the First Model American was the
first top break, automatic ejecting revolver made in the United States. The
American model was introduced 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
original American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm. The barrel rib has the one-
line address/patent dates marking. The right grip panel is numbered to a different gun. Matching
assembly number “698” appears on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Very good. 30% of the original blue finish remains mostly in and around the sheltered
areas and traces of original case colors remain on the hammer, otherwise the revolver has a
classic smooth gray patina associated with an authentic period working gun. The sideplate shows
evidence of some cleaning. The lightly sanded replacement grips are good. Mechanically excellent.
A solid representative example of S&W’s iconic Old West American 1st Model Revolver.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1103
Mexican Double
Loop Holster and Belt Rig by W. H. Richardson
of Dillon, Montana - Made by W. H. Richardson
of Dillon, MT. The belt is stamped “W. H.
RICHARDSON/MAKER/DILLON, MONT.” on the
belt along with “38” beside the bright buckle. The
Mexican style double loop holster bears the same
maker’s stamp, which was partially lost due to a
period modification to the mouth area. The belt is
fitted with 42 individual cartridge loops and the
holster itself fits a 5 1/2 inch barreled Colt Single
Action Army and shows attractive light tooling. The belt measures about 43 1/2 inches
.The consignor indicated this is very rare and is one of only three known examples.
CONDITION: Very good as modified (see above), the edges show wear, there are some
age cracks forming, some areas of loose/absent stitching with the balance strong/
tight, a lost section on the back of the belt loop, and the stampings are all clear.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1101
U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Single Action Revolver
with Wells Fargo Marking and Factory Letter - Serial no. 1044, 45
S&W Schofield cal., 5 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This revolver is one
of 3,000 First Model Schofields purchased by the U.S. Government. They were used by the U.S. Army for
only a few years before being sold as surplus on the civilian market and used in the West by Wells Fargo
express agents and many others. This revolver has a Wells Fargo marking (“WF&CO’s 1044”) stamped over
the S&W barrel lug markings on the right side. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 inch barrel, blue finish and smooth walnut grips when it was originally shipped
to United States Government, National Armory, Springfield, MA on July 12, 1875. The serial number on the right grip panel has been defaced, and the cylinder has the number “901.” “US”
is marked on the butt, and “L” and “P” are stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face.
CONDITION: Fair with period shortened barrel. Very old refinish turned to a smooth brown patina mixed with minor pitting overall. The grips are also fair with a repaired left panel, filler
on the right panel and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically good.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1100
“Old West” Sawed-Off
Winchester Model 1887
Lever Action Shotgun - Serial no. 30826, 12 gauge, 19 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1891 and subsequently the barrel was cut-down and has an oval “WP” proof on the left at the breech.
The frame has the “WRACO” monogram on the left. The semi-pistol grip stock and forearm are smooth, and it is fitted with
a checkered steel buttplate. This model was designed by John Moses Browning at the request of management at Winchester and
became popular in the West. Double barrel shotguns had long been popular with stage coach and railway guards and others, but the
Model 1887 offered more fire power.
CONDITION: Fine with traces of original case colors on the action, attractive Western charm by way of mottled gray and brown patina overall as you
would expect from a shotgun used in the mining fields, some minor oxidation/pitting, and general mild wear on the metal and wood including some
dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is a classic early repeating shotgun with a lot of character.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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