Lot 68

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model Single Action Revolver

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Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model Single Action Revolver

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,600

(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 First Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1871, this is a highly desirable example of the Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model revolver. Entering the market in 1870, three years prior to Colt's iconic Single Action Army revolver, these Smith & Wesson's went on to forge a lasting legacy in the American West. Offering some significant advantages over Colt's "Peacemaker", these revolvers found popularity with those who valued the speed with which these revolvers could be unloaded and reloaded due to their top break design and ejector. Only approximately 8,000 of these American First Models were manufactured, with 1,000 of those being part of the U.S. contract. Many of these revolvers saw extensive frontier use with many having not survived, leaving relatively few available to today's collectors. The included factory letter lists this revolver among a 100 gun shipment containing both blued and nickeled revolvers with 8 inch barrels and walnut grips that went to M.W. Robinson Co. of New York on 29 June 1871. M.W. Robinson Co. was one of Smith & Wesson's largest distributors, sending many of their firearms westward to the frontier. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the single line address and patent dates flanked with Maltese crosses. The serial number is marked on the butt and stamped inside the right grip panel. The assembly marking "Z4" 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 fitted with a period replaced pinned German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the barrel latch, and a pair of smooth walnut grips.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 3

BBL: 8 inch solid rib

Gauge: 44 S&W American

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number3862

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good with character typical of a frontier carried sidearm, retaining 30% of the original blue finish and 40% of the original case colors on the hammer and trigger guard with the balance mostly grey patina and some light pitting, mostly on the front half of the barrel. The grips are also very good with a hairline crack in the right panel, handling wear, a light edge chip, and some minor dings. Mechanically excellent.

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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