GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
VERY RARE MARTIALLY MARKED SMITH & WESSON NO. 3 FIRST MODEL AMERICAN SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.SMITH & WESSONFIRST MODEL206544Cal. 44 rare nickel finish with 8" key whole shaped bbl, half moon front sight with usual Smith & Wesson address and patent markings on top of rib along with a small "US". It has 2-pc walnut grips with outline and partially legible cartouche on left side are numbered to this revolver. Right heel of frame, under the grip, is stamped with assembly number "08" which number is also found on back of cyl, on bbl latch and inside top strap cuts. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, only 200 of these revolvers in nickel finish were ever made. The standard was blue finish. Accompanied by Smith & Wesson factory letter fully identifying this revolver as found. It indicates it was sold and shipped March 16, 1871 to the National Armory, Springfield, Mass. Included with this are two boxes of Smith & Wesson Army revolver ammunition. One box full containing 12 Martin primed cartridges from Frankford Arsenal, PA, dated 1871. The second box is empty but is identical. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Howard Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains most all strong orig nickel showing heavy holster wear on right edge of muzzle with some nickel losses in that area, around forcing cone and face of cyl. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with fine pitting. 50470-2 TDW (15,000-25,000)