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Exceptional Smith & Wesson No. 3 Second Model American single-action revolver, serial no. 1684, chambered in .44 S&W American. Manufactured during the brief 1872–1874 production period, the Second Model American represents an early stage in the development of Smith & Wesson’s large-frame, top-break cartridge revolvers.
The Model No. 3 American was introduced in 1870 and was among the earliest successful large-caliber American revolvers designed from the outset for a self-contained metallic cartridge. Its hinged top-break action simultaneously extracted the fired cases when opened, providing substantially faster reloading than the percussion revolvers that had dominated the preceding era. The design became the foundation for Smith & Wesson’s subsequent Russian, Schofield and other large-frame Model No. 3 revolvers.
This Second Model example is particularly notable for its extraordinary state of preservation, retaining approximately 98% bright original blue finish, fine rosewood grips, and its exceedingly scarce original blue-green cardboard box. The survival of an original 1870s Smith & Wesson box together with a revolver in this level of condition is especially noteworthy.
Item Date: Circa 1872–1874
Measurement: 8 inch barrel
Material: Blued steel frame, barrel and cylinder; rosewood grips; original blue-green cardboard box
Item Condition: Magnificent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original bright blue finish, with only slight thinning on the left side of the barrel. The cylinder, frame and barrel retain exceptionally strong finish, and the rosewood grips remain particularly fine. Accompanied by its rare original blue-green cardboard box, showing expected minor wear consistent with age.
Provenance: Roy Jinks Collection
Price: $18,500
SKU 308-739
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.