This revolver is listed by its serial number "908" in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas as a Model 3 that was purchased by the U.S. government. Compounding the significance of this revolver is the rarely observed oil hole (located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug) as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model. The barrel rib has the one-line S&W address/patent dates marking and lacks the "US" marking. The letter "A" on the left side of the frame is the only visible U.S. sub-inspector mark. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel latch and barrel. The S&W American Model 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. Surviving examples of U.S. martial Model 3 Americans are scarce and highly desirable in any condition.