November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
The American Model was the first big bore cartridge revolver made in the United States. This is a First Model, of which approximately 8000 were made between 1870-72. It is estimated that only about 10% were made with a factory blue finish with the balance of production being of nickel finish. It is not an "oil hole" model, making it a Second Variation First Model. It is a standard model in all respects with an 8" barrel, blue finish, six shot, single action, case color hammer and trigger guard, smooth two piece walnut grips and no lanyard. The top of the barrel is stamped with English barrel address. The caliber is .44 S&W American. The majority of these early large bore guns saw hard use and to find an example that is both factory blue and in near mint original condition makes this a true rarity. You will find the matching assembly number 415 stamped on the back of the cylinder as well as the barrel and latch. The matching serial number, 6803, is also stamped inside the right grip panel. CONDITION: This revolver does not appear to have seen much use. The factory blue is still bright and the grips straps still retain majority of this high polish factory finish. There is some simple flaking of finish on cylinder and barrel while the frame retains the majority of this bright blue. If one were to place a number on remaining finish, it would have to be around 90% but, as stated, blue loss is simply finish flaking, not wear. The bore is near mint and bright. The action is as crisp as new. The original grips are near mint with original oil finish. The dulling color is intact on hammer and traces on guard. This has to be one of the finest surviving blue First Models extant and would be near impossible to find a finer all original example of this scarce big bore Wild West sixgun.
Caliber/Bore
.44 S&W American
Manufacturer
Smith and Wesson