S&W introduced the New Model No. 3 revolver in 1878, however, it was not until 1885 they chambered the New Model No. 3 for the Winchester 44/40 cartridge. This was known as the Frontier Single Action, and was to compete with the Colt Single Action. Only 2,072 were ever manufactured, serial numbered from 1 -2072. The most dominant difference between the No.3 and the Frontier No.3 is the cylinder length. The No.3 has a cylinder length of 1-7/16 of an inch, whereas the Frontier has a 1-9/16 cylinder length which accommodates the 44/40 cartridge. This No.3 Frontier is Serial No. 15X, an is an early specimen. It has about 75% of the original S&W blue finish, with some "plum" patina blending in the finish. It has very strong traces of case color on the trigger guard and hammer. Mechanically the Frontier works perfectly for every working function.

Despite the best marketing and well wishes of S&W, the Frontier just never took off! Many of them were changed over to the more "worldly" .44 Russian cartridge at the factory. Some, about 786 even exported to Japan. So what we find is a 1-9/16 44/40 cylinder, chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge. This example has the 6-1/2 inch barrel, and is with it's original perfect fitting, Cowboy Embossed money belt and holster rig. This pattern is most closely associated with Montgomery Wards, HOWEVER this one is cartouched on the holster reverse " Kennedy Bro's." The holster is for this Model and fits it perfectly. It makes for a really great western frontier appearing outfit. If you want a FRONTIER S&W outfit, this is it ! Frontier Model No.3, and a sure fired western rig, makes for the image of the Old West. PRICE $4,250SOLD

This S&W 1st Model American revolver is in outstanding condition. Serial No. 669X has about 98% of it's blue finish, and the grips are virtually mark free, and have only a luster that 120 years produces. The mechanical actions of breaking open, ejecting shells, works perfectly. The firing sequence of cocking, cylinder rotation, indexing,  and locking tight to fire is PERFECT. Each and every time the hammer is pulled to the rear it functions correctly.

The First model American was introduced in 1870, and effectively was the first large frame cartridge revolver out there! It immediately became a favorite on the Western Frontier, with all the iconic names of the Old west, on both sides of the Law. It was there! 3 years before the first Single Action Colt left Hartford. It was issued to the Cavalry, and was very popular, even abroad. This revolver has a little mystery? It has a mark, which has varied opinion on what it is. It varies from who knows, to a Russian Inspection rejection mark on the barrel. A VERY small star burst, with an oval in the center, on the base of the barrel. A fabulous example of a 1st American.

PRICE $6,950

An extremely fine 1st Model American .44

All factory markings are present, and extremely clear: barrel address, serial numbers, and assembly numbers. ALL parts are original to the American.

Manufactured concurrently with both the 1st and 2nd Model American, from 1871 - 1874, in a quantity of 5,165 specimens. ( Commercial Models) Note: 14,849 in addition were manufactured for the Russian Military, and marked differently. Basically, the "Old, Old" Model Russian, is the SAME revolver as the American, EXCEPT chambered for the .44 Russian Cartridge. This Russian, has the same barrel address as an American EXCEPT, at the end the words Russian Model have been added. This Old Old Russian, Serial No. 2714X has about 60% of the original bright factory nickel plate finish, the balance a soft gray patina. ALL factory markings are crisp, legible, and very clear to the eye. ALL parts are original to the Russian. The grips are damage free, and have a smooth surface, and a fine antique luster.

Mechanically the Old Old Russian works PERFECTLY, on every phase, break open, close, cock, index, lock, tight alignment, and smooth release to fire. ALL parts are original to the Russian, and it has a pleasing appearance.

PRICE $3,450

History Footnote: it was with a .44 Old Old Model Russian, that began the long "run " from the Law for John Wesley Hardin. In the 1870's he shot the Sheriff of Comanche County Texas, with this Model Russian. From then on, he could never sleep a night in Texas!

This 2nd Model S&W American .44 comes with its original California Style Vine carved Slim Jim Holster. It is "THE" holster that is original to this specific revolver, as the end of the holster, and the end of the barrel of the American have left NON disputable fit and match. Serial No. 2259X has about 80% of the original factory nickel. However, it has flaked somewhat and has light gray original metal surfaces showing.

The mechanical actions of this American are crisp and exact in function in all phases: break open, eject, close cock, lock, index, and perfect release to fire. The Walnut grips are very fine, and have a wonderful antique luster.

ORIGINAL BELT LOOP STILL PRESENT

PRICE $4,650

There is a "story" with this S&W rig. It came out of Clay County Missouri, and from a family which goes back to  before and after the Civil War.  After the war supposedly some of the family were "part time" outlaws, and rumored to have rode with the Younger's only on the rarest of occasions, when money was real short. Note this is a left hander's holster. Well, it makes for a pause to think about this old S&W American, and exactly what trails it may have taken.

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. PAT. APR. 3. 55 JULY 5. 59  & NOV. 21. 65

This is THE Factory die stamp, which was used to apply the barrel address to all  of the Model 1-1/2 Second Issue revolvers.( Probably there were more as 100,700 were made from 1868 -1875) However, this is ONE of the originals. An INCREDIBLY SCARCE item!

So, if you are an advanced S&W collector, here is the opportunity to own a piece of the 1860 -1870's era factory tools, and better than a tool, a barrel marking die. Every 1-1/2 Second Issue  you see, can go back to THIS die for the barrel address. It is remarkable to look at the "strike" area and see how the head from thousands of blows, has been 'mushroomed". A real discovery, if you are an S&W collector, don't let this one get away! PRICE $1,500

Price $ 125

**Interesting to note, on the reverse side, are the Newspaper Clippings regarding the Court Martial of a Cavalry Officer, and his "physical confrontation" with another Officer.

This is a 2nd Model .38 Single action revolver, which was the next step in design evolution from the Baby Russian. Manufactured from 1877 until 1891. This specimen has the 3-1/4 inch barrel, and is nickel plated. However, Serial No. 1328X, received SPECIAL treatment. The side plate was engraved in Old English style, with initials, and then cased for presentation.

Please Note: Initials, early style block letter grips, and 99% of case colors on hammer.

This is a Moroccan Leather, Hartley & Graham presentation case, with inside Silk Lining, and Ribbon sash in the lid. Quite a deluxe appearance. The S&W itself, is a 99.99% nickel condition revolver, with perfect block letter S&W grips. The case has some damage from over a 133 year old life span, but overall, is in fine condition. The mechanics of the revolver operate perfectly, in all phases of operation. ALL factory applied markings are clear and distinct. ALL Hartley & Graham cased revolvers are highly sought after, even the cases are extremely collectable. here we have a 99.99% S&W revolver, and a Hartley & Graham casing. PRICE $ 2,750 SALES SPECIAL $2,200

Picture Lid cartridge Box, matching the revolver, and in Blue !

BULLET MOLD AND CASE SHAPER FOR THE 320 REVOLVING RIFLE CARTRIDGE.

This Mold has both the cavity for the conical lead bullet, as well as the round ball cavity. This mold and cartridge shaper are ideal for the mold collector, or someone looking to add original accoutrements to a cased, or just a 320 Revolving Rifle. PRICE $650

UNUSUAL  S&W FACTORY LETTER..

Baby Russian, Serial No. 1992X, has about 99% of all it's original factory nickel plate finish, with some dark "pepper" spotting on the left hand side of the revolver.

The Baby Russian saw a very short manufacturing span, one year only, 1876 - 1877, in a limited quantity of only 25,548 revolvers. This S&W has the more elusive of the two standard barrel lengths, being four inches, rather than three and a quarter inches. The top-break action functions perfectly, opening, and closing, while ejecting spent cartridges. The working action of cocking, and firing work perfectly! The early style checkered hard rubber grips, with block letter logo, are in perfect condition. This S&W " Baby Russian " has an unusual factory letter. It was a ONE piece shipment, directly to an INDIVIDUAL, and in the words of Roy Jinks, who composed the letter, it states, " This revolver was an individual purchase, which is unusual for the company to sell to an individual". Perhaps a diligent research of the individual would yield some historical significance.  PRICE $1,500 SALES SPECIAL $950

In doing a very superficial search of the City where the S&W was shipped, there are two strong possibilities. The owner of the Baby Russian was either in the Boot and Shoe business, or the Coal business.

EARLY "BLOCK LETTER" LOGO