Manufactured from 1870 to 1872. As S&W expert Roy Double pointed out, "This was a work gun; a big, heavy-caliber holster gun worn openly and ready to hand; a timely gun indigenous to America on the move and a part of America's greatest adventures." Under contract to the U.S. Government Smith & Wesson produced 1,000 of this model for the cavalry soldiers of the U.S. Army and the remainder for civilian sales. This particular revolver is a civilian model. Difficult to obtain in any condition, an American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm. The accompanying factory letter states that this revolver was sold on April 15, 1871 and delivered to M.W. Robinson Co., New York City with an 8-inch barrel, blue finish and smooth walnut grips. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Very good plus showing great working gun character with 30% original blue finish remaining with the balance a smooth brown patina and a few patches of pitting. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are fine with high edge wear and some minor handling marks. The extractor needs adjustment, otherwise the action is fine. An untouched 1st Model American is a must have for any S&W or American frontier collection. It is after all the first American big bore cartridge revolver associated with the American West.