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LOT 3155
Very Scarce Documented Early Production U.S. Contract “Oil Hole”
Smith & Wesson No. 3 “American” First Model Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 785, 44 S&W American
cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, this is one of approximately 8,000
No. 3 “American” First Model revolvers made by Smith & Wesson, and it is one of only 1,500 of the early production examples which show
the distinctive “oil hole” on the bottom of the extractor housing. Adding to the rarity of this specific revolver is that it is listed by serial
number on p. 91 of “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas as one of 1,000 No. 3 “Americans” ordered by the U.S. government, which are
found in the 125 to 2199 serial number range. These revolvers were the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military and are believed to have been
used in some capacity by the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th cavalry regiments. The “American” First Models were later replaced by the Schofield revolvers
and Colt’s Single Action Army, but many continued on in frontier service in the hands of Native Americans, settlers, outlaws, and lawmen. This particular example has the
appearances of having been later repurposed into a civilian sidearm. Though never being as prolific or quite reaching the iconic status of the Colt Single Action Army, these No.
3 “Americans” are without a doubt considered one of the legendary firearms of the American West. This example is marked with the standard one-line address and patent dates
on top of the barrel rib and curiously lacks the typical “US” marking of these contract revolvers. There are small “A” inspection marks for O.W. Ainsworth on the left of the top strap
and frame, as well as in a cylinder flute. There is a “P” proof on the right of the frame behind the recoil shield and in a cylinder flute. The serial number is marked on the butt and
stamped inside the right grip panel. The assembly marking “L0” is marked on the right of the grip frame at the heel, on the rear face of the cylinder, and on the bottom of the
cylinder latch. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of smooth walnut grips.
CONDITION: Fine as U.S. and later retailed commercially, retaining 95% of the period replated nickel with a few scattered patches of light flaking, mainly near edges, and
the major markings remaining crisp. The grips are also fine with the mild handling wear and minor handling marks of a trusted frontier sidearm. Mechanically excellent. An
interesting example of the desirable “oil hole” Smith & Wesson No. 3 “American” First Model that appears to have seen both U.S. military and frontier service!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3154
Desirable U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Revolver - Serial no.
2996, 45 S&W Schofield cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This is a fine original
example of a First Model Schofield Single Action revolver. A total of
3,035 of these were manufactured in 1875 with seven inch barrels, walnut
grips and blue finish as standard. The distinctive features of this revolver
are the barrel catch attached to the frame rather than the top strap, the gracefully shaped
frame and shorter ejector housing. The U.S. Ordnance Department ordered almost the entire
production. Many were issued to the 4th Cavalry and the black troops of the 9th and 10th
U.S. Cavalry, the “Buffalo Soldiers” of the Indian Wars. Some notorious outlaws and lawmen
of the Old West were known to have carried a Schofield as well. The left side of the ejector housing is
marked with the two line address/patent dates and “+SCHOFIELD’S PAT APR 22D 1873+” on the right side. The toe of the back
strap is marked “US”. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, with the letter “L” below it, and on
the inside of the right grip panel. The letter “L” also appears on the frame under the cylinder and the bottom of the ejector
housing flat is marked “L” “P”. The top of the back strap is period stamped “237”. All blue finish with casehardened hammer
and trigger guard, pinned blade front sight and fitted with smooth walnut grips with a clear 4 letter boxed cartouche on the lower left grip panel.
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% original blue finish with scattered flaking, areas of smooth plum patina and a smooth brown patina on the cylinder. The hammer and
trigger guard have a smooth gray patina with traces of original case colors in protected areas. There are a series of small dings on the lower front sides of the frame. The grips are fine with
a few minor nicks and discoloration on the right toe. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 14,000
Serial Number 785