Smith & Wesson No, 3, 1st Model Single Action revolver (First Model American) with U.S. property and inspection marks and nickel-plated finish. The Army purchased 1000 First Model American revolvers; only 200 of these revolvers were nickel-plated. The nickel-plated revolvers had serial numbers between 1895 and 2119. The serial number of this revolver , "2086" falls within the nickel-plated serial number range. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped with the "U.S." property mark. The small "A" sub-inspection mark of Ordnance sub-inspector Orville W. Ainsworth is stamped on the left side of the frame below the cylinder, the left side of the barrel top strap and in one cylinder flute. The Ordnance inspection marks on the two-piece grip are no longer visible. The serial number, "2086" is stamped on the bottom of the butt. An assembly number "V2" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, on the bottom of the frame latch and on the rear face of the barrel. This revolver does not have the 'oil hole' in the barrel lug that is found on very low serial number First American revolvers. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish on all metal components except for the hammer which is color case-hardened. The two-piece walnut grips are oil finished.

Fine with 50% plus of the nickel-plated finish. The exposed surfaces on the barrel, frame and cylinder have some light pitting and spots of age discoloration. All of the markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are sharp. The grips are in good overall condition and show moderate handling wear. No Ordnance markings are visible on the grips. The action is tight and functions well. The is a solid example of a very scarce U.S. Army S&W First Model American revolver with rarely encountered nickel-plated finish.