This revolver is listed by serial number as one of the 1,000 First Model Americans purchased by the U.S. government in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (4th edition) by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas on page 106 and "Smith & Wesson American Model" by Charles Pate on page 195 and was displayed at the 2015 NRA Single Action Shooting Society exhibit. The barrel rib has the one-line S&W address/patent dates marking followed by "US." The frame has U.S. sub-inspector's marks "A" on the left side, and the frame lacks the "P" proof as is correct for nickel plated U.S. examples. Traces of a cartouche remain on the left grip panel. Matching assembly marks appear on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. The S&W American Model was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military and saw use 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. Provenance: The Supica Collection; 2015 NRA Single Action Shooting Society Exhibit

Very good, retaining most of an old period replated nickel with a number of scratches on the cylinder. The grips are very good displaying a faint cartouche, high edge wear and minor handling marks as well as personalized with six "kill tallies" on the left panel. The ejector does not function, otherwise the action cycles properly. A desirable survivor of the Indian Wars.