April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
A July 16, 1872 patent, number 128,991, granted to Daniel Wesson and Charles King for "Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms" details a modified system for retaining the cylinders on Smith & Wesson revolvers utilizing a movable rear sight and an external retainer for the extractor. This No. 3 falls appears to be a patent model or prototype based off of this patent, exhibiting these unusual factory modified features. Falling into the second transitional American model serial number range, 6800-8000, this revolver was built with a 1st model flat bottom frame. Ribbed 8" barrel with address reading "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10 60. JAN 17. FEB 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69" and "REISSUE / JULY 25, 1871". German silver half moon front sight and modified u-notch rear, with unusual latch mounted to the outside of the barrel to accommodate the sight movement. A knurled disk is also mounted to the bottom of the barrel, which can be turned approximately 1/8 of a rotation, retaining the extractor. Revolver is otherwise standard for the period with brilliant polish blued finish, 6-shot fluted cylinder chambered for .44 S&W American, case hardened trigger guard and hammer, and smooth 2-piece walnut grips. CONDITION: Excellent state of preservation, likely remaining unused as a prototype. Bountiful amounts of lustrous factory blue is retained throughout showing some faint high edge silvering, evidence of the action being operated, and some minor handling marks. Case colors remain very strong, with light fading on the trigger guard. Screws likewise retain significant portions of their nitre blue. Grips are excellent, with one stamped internally with the serial number. Matching "2" assembly numbers observed on the frame, rear of the cylinder under the extractor, and the barrel latch. Excellent mirror bore, possibly unfired. A very interesting variation of the iconic No. 3 in truly outstanding condition.
Caliber/Bore
.44 S&W American