Lot 4014: Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Revolver

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: February 23, 2025

Lot 4014: Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Revolver

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: February 23, 2025

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $5,500

Price Realized:

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 3 American

Type: Revolver

Gauge: 44 S&W American

Barrel: 8 inch solid rib

Finish: nickel

Grip: walnut

Stock:

Item Views: 821

Item Interest: Average

Serial Number:

Class: Antique

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with pitting and distinct rifling.

Description:

Factory letter states revolver was shipped on March 16, 1871 and delivered to U.S. National Armory, Springfield, MA with an 8 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut grips. Shipment contained 1,000 units of this model: 800 in blue, 200 in nickel finish. Replacement grips with faint cartouche on left panel, renumbered components, S&W factory rework star on butt, S&W factory return dates August 1914 (8.14") and December 1924 ("12 24") on grip strap.

Rating Definition:

Very fine overall as S&W factory refinished, with handling marks, scattered flaking. Action functions but cylinder does not lock properly.

Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

Lot 4014: Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Revolver

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: February 23, 2025

Lot 4014: Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Revolver

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: February 23, 2025

Scarce Early Production "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Customer Product Questions

Related Items

Lot #483: Civil War Era Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old Army Revolver

Lot #25: Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver Converted to .22 Caliber

Lot #215: Early Production Smith & Wesson Second Model Single Shot Pistol

Lot #672: Two Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolvers

Lot #267: Smith & Wesson Model 29-6 Double Action Revolver

Lot #699: Smith & Wesson Model 43 Double Action Revolver