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LOT 3107
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.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus untouched
original nickel plating with a few patches of dark
oxidation visible on the grip straps. 30% original case
colors remain on the trigger guard. 95% plus vibrant
original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips
are also excellent showing some minor handling marks
mostly on the right panel. Mechanically excellent. An
outstanding S&W No. 3 American 2nd Model revolver
that would be hard to improve upon!
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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