Smith & Wesson First Model American Revolver with S&W and Springfield Research Service letters. Both letters identify the revolver as an S&W First Model American and state that it was delivered to the Springfield Armory in March 1871. The Ordnance Department purchased 1000 First Model American revolvers from S&W in 1871; surviving examples are scarce and highly desirable. The revolver has the S&W commercial blue finish with casehardened hammer and barrel latch. The two-piece walnut grips are oil finished. The barrel has a nickel-silver half-moon front sight and the frame has the oil hole in the bottom. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped: "+ SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A.PAT.JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 &AUG. 24. 69 + " in a single line with maltese crosses at either end. "US" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the legend and the barrel latch. Small "A" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the bottom of the frame behind the oil hole, on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard and on the left side of the barrel top strap. An Ordnance "P" proof mark is stamped on the right side of the barrel ahead of the hinge, in one cylinder flute and on the right side of the frame behind the recoil shield. The Ordnance Sub-Inspection mark which consists of the script initials "OWA" (Orville W. Ainsworth) in a rectangle is stamped on the lower left grip. The rear face of the cylinder and the underside of the cylinder latch are stamped with the assembly mark "L2". The serial number, "1137", is stamped on the butt.

Good. This scarce revolver is all original and retains 40% of the original blue finish; the balance of the revolver has toned to a deep brown patina. The barrel, frame and cylinder have some surface texturing and some scattered dents and scratches . There is light flash pitting on the muzzle, on the frame near the cylinder and on the forward edges of the cylinder. The factory markings and Ordnance property mark, sub-inspection marks and proof are clear. The grips are in good overall condition with moderate handling wear; the edges of the heels are rounded and the grips have minor dents and scratches. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark on the left grip is faint but legible. The action is tight and functions well. This is a good example of a scarce U.S. Contract S&W First Model American Revolver. Often the missing link in even the most advanced U.S. military and S&W collections.