Lot 67

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Second Model Revolver

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Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Second Model Revolver

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Second Model Single Action Revolver with Ivory Grips Manufactured c. 1872 to 1874, this is a fine example of the Smith & Wesson No. 3 American revolvers, one of the more rarely encountered, but no less iconic, revolvers of the American frontier. While Colt's "Peacemaker" was by far the most prolific sidearm in the American West, it was not without competitors, many of them offering significant advantages over the Colt. For the Smith & Wesson Americans, the biggest advantage was quicker unloading and reloading due to their top-break design, which many western gunslingers quickly took to. This particular example certainly has the look of having spent some years on the frontier as a trusted sidearm. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the standard single line address and patent dates. The serial number is stamped on the butt. The matching assembly number, "356", is marked on the right of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the top strap, and bottom of the barrel latch. It is mounted with a pinned blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the barrel latch, and a pair of smooth ivory grips , with the inside of both panels being marked with the matching serial number in ink.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 3

BBL: 8 inch solid rib

Gauge: 44 S&W American

Finish: nickel

Grips: ivory

Serial Number23218

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, showing the character of a frontier sidearm, retaining 60% of the original nickel finish with the balance mostly grey patina and some patches of mild pitting, typical of a gun that saw use in the West. The attractively aged grips are good with some mild wear, scattered age lines, and a couple light edge chips. Mechanically functions. A desirable Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Second Model showing real frontier grit!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000