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A Different Smith & Wesson Revolver Suspended from a Bridgeport Rig
LOT 76
Attractive Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver
with Pearl Grips and Rare Bridgeport Rig Stud - Serial no. 5479, 44 S&W
Russian cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. All frames of the .44
Double Action First Model Revolver were manufactured between 1881 and 1898,
but this model was listed in the company catalogs and sold up until 1913. This
example has the rare Bridgeport rig stud on the sideplate. The Bridgeport rig, which
is not included with this lot, was patented by Louis S. Flatau of Pittsburg, Texas, in 1882 and
manufactured by the Bridgeport Gun Implement Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Approximately
500 units were manufactured for U.S. Army trial issue and were attached to Model 1874 saber belts
at the Rock Island Arsenal. The rig allowed for a revolver to be quickly disengaged from the belt or
swiveled and fired from the belt. The Army determined that it was not suitable for issue and sold
the remaining devices as surplus. A smaller number of the Bridgeport rigs were manufactured for
the civilian market where it enjoyed limited success among those on the Western frontier. The revolver
wears a set of plain pearl grips and is fitted with a factory lanyard ring on the butt. Matching serial number
appears on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% period replated nickel plating. 98% vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are very fine with slight chipping and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. An interesting S&W .44 Double Action First Model Revolver with Bridgeport rig stud.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 77
Desirable and Documented Wells Fargo Marked U.S. Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 3436, 45 S&W Schofield cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl.,
nickel finish, walnut grips. This is a S&W Schofield Second Model Revolver that was originally purchased by the U.S. Government. Schofields 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. The U.S. military markings include “US” stamped on the butt, “W” and
“P” stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face and “W” on the frame. The right side of the ejector rod shroud has the Wells Fargo marking: “W.F.&CO. EX. 3436” followed by a
larger “S”. The barrel has been shortened during its period of use, as was common with 19th century revolvers purchased by the various express companies. Matching serial number on the butt, right grip panel and cylinder. Matching serial numbers on the
butt, right grip panel and cylinder. This revolver has been pictured in the “Guns West” exhibit catalog on page 13 and David Chicoine’s “Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West” on pages 134-135, reported in “American Rifleman” and “True West” magazines, and displayed at the National Firearms Museum in 2008-2009.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% period retailer applied nickel plating with a smooth
gray patina on the balance. The grip is very good showing authentic heavy wear and tear from spending a lifetime in military and civilian service. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK SMITH & WESSON SIXGUNS OF THE OLD WEST BY CHICOINE