Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, this is a very early production Smith & Wesson No. 3, 1st Model American revolver with a low two digit serial number ("28") and is one of approximately 8,000 revolvers. The No. 3, 1st Model American revolver was manufactured with a standard 8 inch barrel with 6 inch and 7 inch barrels being less common. This example has a 7 inch barrel. The included factory letter confirms the 7 inch barrel, .44 S&W American caliber, blue finish and smooth walnut grips. The revolver was shipped to Smith & Wesson's largest distributor, M.W. Robinson of New York, City, as part of a 25 gun shipment on October 26, 1870. The revolver correctly has a vent hole (oil hole) in the rear extractor housing under barrel that was featured on the first 1,500 revolvers. The top of the barrel rib is stamped "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69" flanked by Maltese crosses. Pinned blade front and notch rear sights. The serial number is stamped on the butt with the assembly number "8A" stamped on the rear cylinder face, barrel latch and barrel. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun with the backs of both grips hand marked "PXM".

Good. The revolver has a mottled gray patina with some scattered minor pitting. The firing pin on the hammer has been polished. The grips are fair showing wear consistent to the rest of the revolver with some overall pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Overall a rare possibly first day of production Number 3 American.