This model manufactured between 1870 and 1872 was the first top break, automatic ejecting revolver that Smith & Wesson made and also the first large caliber revolver that the company made. This is one of the first 1800 manufactured for the U.S. government with blue finish. This revolver has an "oil hole", as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model, located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the one line address and five patent dates (1860 - 1869) and "US" marked at the breech end. The barrel latch is marked ""Y2" and the serial number is marked on the butt and the matching number is stamped on the inside of the right grip panel. The is a small "P" inspection mark on the right side of the frame directly behind the recoil shield and a "P" on the right side of the barrel lug. Also Stamped are small sub inspector initials "A" on the left of the frame. All blue finish and fitted with smooth two piece walnut grips with a faint boxed cartouche on the lower left panel. The accompanying Roy Jinks Smith & Wesson letter identifies serial number "1146" as a Model 3 American First Model Oil Hole variation, with blue finish, 8" barrel, smooth walnut grips 44 S&W American caliber, that it was sold to the U.S. government on March 16, 1871 and shipped to the National Armory in Springfield, Mass. Interesting enough, this 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. The American revolver was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military and saw usage in the Indian Wars. The consignor notes state that this revolver was in the Charles Duffy collection for over 50 years.

Very good. The revolver shows strong traces of the original blue finish in protected areas, otherwise the metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina with a couple of areas that show evidence of some cleaning. The grips are good with some wear and minor chips on the lower edges, overall a few minor dings and dents. The cartouche is lightly visible. The action is excellent. A solid documented example of an early "Oil Hole Variation, U.S. contract Model 3 American revolver with factory letter.