Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, the First Model American was the first top break, automatic ejecting revolver made in the United States. The American model was introduced 3 years before the Colt Single Action Army revolver and is probably, more than any other model, associated with the historic American West. As S&W expert Roy Double pointed out over fifty years ago, "This was a work gun; a big, heavy-caliber holster gun worn openly and ready to hand; a timely gun indigenous to America on the move and a part of America's greatest adventures." Difficult to obtain in any condition, this original American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm. The barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking. The right grip panel is numbered to a different gun. Matching assembly number "698" appears on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.

Very good. 30% of the original blue finish remains mostly in and around the sheltered areas and traces of original case colors remain on the hammer, otherwise the revolver has a classic smooth gray patina associated with an authentic period working gun. The sideplate shows evidence of some cleaning. The lightly sanded replacement grips are good. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of S&W's iconic Old West American 1st Model Revolver.