The American Revolver was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military and saw usage throughout the Indian Wars as it was reported to have been issued to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Cavalry. The revolver was part of a shipment of 1,000 units, 800 blue finish and 200 in nickel finish. Surviving examples of U.S. martial Model 3 Americans are scarce and highly desirable in any condition. The barrel rib is marked "+ SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A.PAT.JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69 +" followed by a prominent "US". A small "A" ordnance sub-inspection mark is present on the left side of the frame under the cylinder and a "P" on rear of the recoil shield and forward the barrel hinge (both on the right side). The serial number is marked on the butt. Compounding the significance of this particular revolver is the rarely observed 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. This rare and desirable U.S. martial revolver is listed by its serial number "431" in the STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas as a Model 3 that was purchased by the U.S. government and is further accompanied by a factory letter which also confirms its shipment. Included with the revolver is a hand-signed letter from David Carrol, President of CPM Incorporated, which certifies the revolver as having been a 50-year piece in the inventory of Charles E. Duffy, noted Smith & Wesson Collector.

Fine. The revolver exhibits traces of original finish all in sheltered areas with the balance now a mottled gray patina showing isolated patches of pin prick type pitting and typical wear from use. The grips are fine to very fine, as replaced showing only casual surface blemishes. Considering this revolvers age and its exposure to the harshest conditions imaginable on the frontier it remains a fine, highly desirable and likewise extremely rare U.S. Cavalry revolver.