Exceptional Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Three Digit Serial Number and Highly Desirable Blue Finish Only the first estimated 1,500 S&W First Model No. 3 revolvers have a small "oil hole" or vent hole in the bottom of the extractor housing making this example a rare variation. An estimated total of 8,000 First Models were manufactured between 1870 and 1872 before Colt even released the Single Action Army giving S&W a beneficial head start. This Model was the first cartridge revolver issued by the U.S. military. It pre-dates the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver by three years. The Model 3s were also much faster to reload than Colt's solid frame design, but the Ordnance Department ultimately favored Colt's revolver. This model was also the first top break, automatic ejecting revolver that Smith & Wesson produced and their first large caliber revolver. The top of the barrel rib is stamped "+SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17 JULY 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69+." The low serial number (809) is marked on the butt, and the matching assembly number "A5" is marked on the rear cylinder face, barrel and barrel latch. It is fitted with German silver blade front and latch notch rear sights. It has a casehardened hammer and trigger guard and the remaining surfaces are blue. It is fitted with smooth walnut grips. Many of these were carried by Western icons including Buffalo Bill Cody as a showman, allegedly Wyatt Earp at the shootout at the O.K. Corral and Americans at the Battle of Little Big Horn. They were also used by the James-Younger Gang. Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model: 3 American BBL: 8 inch solid rib Stock: Gauge: 44 S&W Finish: blue Grips: walnut Serial Number: 809 Class: Antique Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% plus bright original high polish blue finish with scattered flaking, a few scattered minor scratches, some spotting on the cylinder and some minor oxidation on the underside of the barrel. Most of the bright original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with some small dings on the bottom edges. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. One may not find a finer example!

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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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 + $10,000