November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Nickel plated, martially marked Smith & Wesson No. 3 American. 8" barrel with fluted full rib. Chambered in .44 S&W. Full radius front sight, correct nickel plated barrel latch and trigger guard. Case hardened hammer. Top of barrel rib marked "U.S.". Government sub-inspection mark "A" found on left side of frame, cylinder flute, and left side of barrel latch. The typically seen "P" sub-inspection mark were omitted from the nickel guns. The U.S. Military purchased 1,000 S&W No. 3 Americans. 800 were blue and 200 were nickel plated. The serial numbers ranged from #125 - #2199. All 200 of the nickel plated guns are in the #1895 through #2199 serial number range. Serial numbers for these historic revolvers are documented in Jim Supica and Richard Nahas's book titled: "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" This revolver, serial number 1916, is listed. CONDITION: Excellent overall with 75-80% original nickel blending with grey patina. Some flaking of nickel around barrel breech and cylinder. Exposed areas turned a pleasing brown patina. Bore is excellent with minor abrasion. Grips have either been sanded or replaced, as no inspector cartouche is visible on left panel. Overall a most attractive, early example of a scarce model U.S. Cavalry revolver. -MKS-
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson