The introduction of S&W's first large frame Break Top Double Action was in 1881, and was called the Double Action 1st Model, or New Model Navy. However, this revolver was chambered in .44 Russian. In an effort to capitalize on the more popular .44 WCF, a.k.a. the 44-40, which was enormously popular in the west due to the Winchester rifle, the company re-tooled, and came out with the Double Action Frontier. It is basically the same revolver except for a longer frame and a cylinder of 1-9/16" length. Incredibly, they ONLY manufactured 15,340 of these revolvers.

Serial No. 843X is approximately in the middle of production, the 1880's period. It has the more scarce 5 inch barrel, and comes in it's ORIGINAL factory box. It has a PERFECT end label, identifying barrel length, finish, and caliber, and "FRONTIER" variation.

This revolver is a 99.99999% condition specimen, and the box is certainly in the 90% category also, with a perfect end label.

ALL, mechanical functions of this revolver function perfectly: break open, eject shells, close, load, cock, index, and release for firing, each and every time is perfect. ALL factory applied markings: barrel address, serial numbers etc., are clear and in perfect condition. It would be extremely difficult to improve on the condition of this S&W Frontier Double Action revolver. PRICE $5,850

All case colors still present on the hammer.

All case colors present on the trigger............

This is a VERY significant revolver to the S&W company. It represents their FIRST top break revolver, and the first entry into "heavy" calibers. It first appeared in 1870, and found high acceptance levels. "Shootist"of the time, such as Wm. F. Cody, Wyatt Earp, "Texas Jack" Omohundro, and many more, immediately began using them. How significant is this? , well it was three full years ahead of the Single Action, and Colt. Digressing for a moment, a few more used the American: Dallas Stoudenmire, Cole Younger, and John Wesley Hardin. It just shows the impact of this revolver. This 1st Model American, .44, Serial No. 382X, has the eight inch barrel, German Silver front sight, and finished in blue, with Walnut grips. ONLY 8,000 first models were produced, not really that many. This 1st Model makes an incredibly strong appearance. It has about 15-20%% bright blue remaining, about 65% of darkened blue, mixed with a blending of plum patina. The balance is a true plum patina. However, when wiped with a light coating of oil, it appears almost a 90%  strong blue revolver. ALL parts are original to the revolver, including all matching assembly numbers. All serial numbers match, including the grips. ALL mechanical functions operate 100% perfectly: opening, ejecting shells, closing, locking, cocking, cylinder rotation, indexing, and locking tight, and smoothly releasing for firing. The walnut grips have a smooth antique patina. This is a very clean, and strong representative of a scarce revolver, the 1st Model American.  PRICE $ 4,850

Only as a point of reference: this revolver was a family purchase, with the verbal history of having been carried by a Rancher/Cowboy/ Entrepreneur in Indian Territory. The S&W remained in the eastern Oklahoma area until now!

SMITH & WESSON, 1st MODEL .45 "U.S." SCHOFIELD and SAN FRANCISCO POLICE , and the 1877 Riots!

Serial No. 123X is very unique in it's history, and certainly unique in it's high level of original condition. S&W received it's first Government contract since the 1st American Model, to supply 3,000 revolvers. They were immediately issued into the field and to various Arsenals for distribution. It was S&W's first .45 caliber revolver, yet a different set of dimensions than the Colt .45 cartridge already in service. Perhaps this led to their withdrawal from service by the late 1880's. Then that action also led to another life for the Schofield's. A very popular revolver with western personalities, like Bill Tilghman, and Frank James. This revolver is "double marked", with the U.S., and 254 for the San Francisco Police Dept.

254 On the Back Strap , below Hammer

By 1877 most to all of the 1st Model Schofield's were in the field, as was this one. In July of 1877, in San Francisco, there were three days of rioting, which became known as the "Sand Lot" Riots. The Police were under armed, so the Benecia Arsenal, issued out arms to the Police to settle the riot. Among them were the new Schofield revolvers. This is detailed in a book by Charles W. Pate, "Smith & Wesson American Model, In U.S. & Foreign Service". Chapter 12, clearly, and with records, discusses the issuance of Schofield's to the Police. The three digit #254, is their marking!  After the riots, it seems that the Schofield's NEVER found their way back to the U.S. Army, and the Benecia Arsenal. The Riots were over the Labor Issue, and the growing Chinese population, and cheaper labor. They lasted three days, and 15 buildings were burned to the ground, and numerous "beating" injuries on both sides. Currently, this 1st Schofield has 90% of all it's ORIGINAL S&W factory blue finish, and 99% of all the case hardening colors on the hammer. The Walnut grips show handling, but have no damage. ALL the mechanical functions, operate crisply and perfectly through all phases.

Perhaps the issuance to the Police saved this revolver from hard service in the field with the Cavalry, because a 1st Schofield in this condition is REMARKABLE! You simply do not find that many original Schofield's, and never in this strong original condition. A true prize for the Martial Arms, Single Action, or Frontier Revolver collector: both in condition, and Historical Significance.  PRICE $17,950

90% of all the original S&W factory blue is still present, mixed with some plum patina.

All Case Hardening Colors are still on Hammer...

The "Sand Lot " Riot of July 1877

U.S. Inspector Cartouche still Present on grip.

In 1870 S&W secured their first Government Contract for 1,000 .44 S&W American revolvers. These represented the first cartridge revolvers used by the U.S. Cavalry. In 1873 Colt entered the picture, and sold the U.S. Government the Single Action Army, in .45 Colt. In a reasonable amount of time, they totally displaced the American revolver. Smith & Wesson was determined to recapture the business, and in 1875, they sold the government the NEW .45 S&W caliber, 1st Model Schofield. It was very popular, and saw service with the 4th Cavalry in the Apache wars. Determined to keep the Government contract, they addressed several mechanical issues, and in 1877 INTRODUCED the improved 2nd Model Schofield, of which the Government bought 5,285 revolvers.

Serial No. 591X is one the 2nd Model U.S. revolvers. It is correctly marked throughout with U.S. Inspector markings, ALL in the correct locations, PLUS the U.S. on the butt. Unfortunately the grip cartouche is worn too thin to be visible, all that remains is the faintest traces of the frame around the initials of the cartouche. This is a VERY SCARCE variation, as it is ORIGINAL Factory nickel plated. VERY few were finished in that fashion, the accepted number is 200 or less, as contract standard was to be blued. This Schofield has about 55% of the original nickel plate finish, mostly on the back strap, and frame. The balance of the revolver is a correct soft gray patina. The walnut grips are smooth, with a rich luster.  ALL patent markings are sharp and clear! The mechanical action of breaking open, and ejecting spent cartridges works perfectly. The cocking and firing action is 100% correct, crisp, and exact, each time the hammer is cocked.

One must remember, that by the 1890's, once again, S&W had been deleted from Government Contracts in favor of the Colt Single Action .45, as the "one" issued hand gun to the Cavalry. There have been many stories about ammunition "mix ups" and other reasons, but basically Colt was the "power" vendor! Therefore, MOST ALL Schofield's were sold for surplus, to several Civilian dealers. MOST had barrels cut, and were re-finished and sold on the open market. SO !! to find a SCARCE ORIGINAL NICKEL plated Specimen, U.S. is quite extraordinary. PRICE $6,950

The frame has very strong Nickel Plate coverage.

SMITH & WESSON, FIRST MODEL AMERICAN .44, WITH EARLY  PRODUCTION "OIL HOLE" FEATURE!

The 1st model American was incredibly important to the evolution of the company. It was the FIRST top break revolver the company built, plus the FIRST .44 caliber revolver. It was very important to S&W, as it secured a Government Contract for 1,000 revolvers, to be issued to the Cavalry, which began a long term competition with Colt, for these contracts. In addition, it preceded the Single Action from Colt, by slightly more than three years ! Therefore it was in the hands of the Cavalry, Notable Frontiersmen, and Frontier Lawmen, and had established a fine reputation, which laid the groundwork for the introduction of the 2nd Model in 1872.  This 1st Model, Serial No. 110X, is very early in production, and has the "Oil Hole" feature. As with all standard Americans, it has the 8 inch barrel, with a clear and crisp one line company Barrel Address with Patents Dates. All assembly numbers are matching, and ALL parts are original to the revolver. The Walnut grips have a smooth luster, and excellent Walnut color. The Top Break action of ejecting spent cartridges functions perfectly. The cocking of the hammer functions correctly, advancing the cylinder, which locks into place and indexes, with each cocking of the hammer. A very solid mechanical action in all aspects. The overall finish is about 15% original blue. However, the balance is an excellent patina blue/gray, which gives the American a stronger appearance.

1st Model Americans are very scarce due to low production numbers, and the "Oil Hole" variation is highly sought after by Collectors. This is a VERY respectable example of a SCARCE 1st model "Oil Hole" American .44, and worthy of any collection. PRICE $4,425

The 1st model was Introduced in 1870, and only about 8,000 were produced. MORE IMPORTANT: Only the first 1,250 had the "Oil Hole" feature.

AMEXCO 405, for American Express Company

CORRECT PROPERTY ROOM MARKING....

During the last half of the 19th century, the Express Company loomed very large on the American business scene. Why so? it was the era of expansion, westward expansion, and the overall expansion of American Trade. More than ever before, packages, packages of WEALTH, were being transported across America. Companies like Wells, Fargo, American Express, United States Express, Adams Express, and others needed protection from being robbed! These various companies armed their Guards, and Office Personnel, as they were responsible for the "goods", and had to make good on any losses. Serial No. 27427X is one such revolver. It seems the dominant pistols used by AMEXCO (American Express Co.) were DA .38's, both the S&W Model, and the Colt Model of 1877. Many were shipped from the factory, and marked for the company. However, just as many were Distributor purchased, and then marked in the Property Room. That is the case with this S&W, AMEXCO 405. It probably spent it's life in an Office of the company, due to the high level of condition. It has about 97 -98% of all the original Factory Nickel plating, perfect hard rubber grips, and all the case hardening colors on the hammer, and trigger. The trigger guard has all it's bright blue finish. Mechanically it's perfect in all phases of operation. An interesting piece of "Expressing", of the last half of the 19th century, when the possibility of being "relieved" of your goods was a REAL threat!  PRICE $650

.44 HENRY RIM FIRE...One of ONLY, 2,157, with 1st Model style, NO notch Hammer !!

A member of the true "OLD WEST" club, is the S&W 2nd Model American in .44 Henry Rim Fire. This Model was manufactured between 1872 and 1874, in a total quantity of 20,735 pieces. HOWEVER, ONLY 3,014 were produced in .44 Rim Fire, and OF THAT NUMBER, only 2,157 had the first style , "no notch" Hammer. The .44 Henry rim fire cartridge became famous during the Civil War, and then with the '66 Winchester, a.k.a. the "Yellow Boy", then on to the .44 Open Top by Colt. This eight inch barrel, 2nd Model American, Serial No. 1272X, saw continued use for many years. This revolver came out of the "brush" and spent most of it's life in the Trans-Pecos West Texas area. The .44 Rim Fire held on much longer ! in that area, and shared popularity across the Rio Grande in Mexico. It's hard to say exactly where this Rim Fire was, but it's probably bi-lingual !! Today, the finish is a dark gray patina, with smooth metal, and some plum coloring, a true and correct  untouched finish.

ALL parts are original to the revolver, and matching assembly number parts, and serial numbers. The "Break-Open" shell extraction system operates PERFECTLY. The cocking, locking, indexing, and firing modes ALL function perfectly. Simply stated, the American works 100% correctly. The factory applied barrel address with patent dates is clear and sharp. For the most part, all the screw head slows are clean and crisp. A VERY SCARCE Model in .44 Rim Fire, and very much the part of the "Old West" !  PRICE $4,250

Original Walnut Grips, Serial Numbered to the revolver. They show use on the Old Texas Frontier, and the color produced by the sweat of a mans hand.

Introduced in 1861, this was S&W's "BIG" frame revolver! Chambered for the .32 long rim fire, with SIX shots. It was very popular with Officers in the Union Army, for a sidearm, and one in particular, George A. Custer. ALL factory applied roll die markings: barrel address, serial numbers etc.. are very clear and present. All mechanical aspects of this revolver function 100% correctly. Serial No. 4049X, has the six inch ribbed barrel, and near "perfect" condition Rosewood grips. Overall, it's a 90% blue specimen, with VERY strong regions of blue, such as the cylinder which is 99% plus!

The frame has better than 95% blue, while the barrel is the weakest area, with thinning blue to about 40%, the balance being a true and correct "plum" patina. A very pleasing specimen of a revolver which saw hard use, in fact, it was still S&W's big frame entry until 1870, with the introduction of the American Model. So, a way better than average condition for an old work horse! PRICE $ 1,450

All the factory Varnish remains on the rosewood grips.

This is an INCREDIBLY small window of variation within the First Model American Series. The difference between the 1st Model , and the Transition Model are two changes:

1. Cylinder length is now 1.423", rather than 1.450"                                 2. New Interlocking Hammer Notch with barrel catch

This revolver has about 25-30% of it's original factory blue finish, the balance is a perfect "plum" patina, from the darkening and aging of the blue. Almost all the case hardening colors remain on the hammer. The grips are a smooth Walnut, with a fine antique luster. All factory markings: barrel address, and Serial Number are clear and distinct. ALL mechanical functions associated with un-loading, and loading via the top-break system function perfectly. The cocking, cylinder rotation, indexing, and  firing mechanics ALL function perfectly. Serial No. 723X is a fine and classic example of a VERY scarce 1st Model American. This revolver has ONE MORE interesting feature: the Front Sight. The sight is somewhat original to the revolver: not the factory sight, BUT an 1871 American Quarter is now the front sight. The date is visible on the top of the coin. The date of 1871 coincides with the date of the revolver!

Simply a marvelous First Model " Transition" American .44, a fine addition to any collection. PRICE $ 4,850

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

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

SMITH & WESSON, DOUBLE ACTION FRONTIER REVOLVER, 44/40 CALIBER /FACTORY PEARL GRIPS.

Smith & Wesson introduced their .44 caliber Double Action revolvers in 1881, however, chambered in the .44 Russian caliber. Perhaps realizing that the main stream of 44, was the 44/40 employed by Colt and Winchester, making the famous pistol, rifle combination. So, S&W produced 15,340 Double Actions in 44/40, in their own Serial Range. Serial No. 1390X is one of this model. It has the scarcer  five inch barrel, and is finished in nickel plating, of which 98% still remains. The trigger and hammer exhibit strong case color, and the trigger guard has most of it's high polish blue remaining. The grips are a stunning pair of Mother of Pearl, probably factory.

The action, on both single, and double action functions perfectly. The revolver breaks open, and ejects all shells correctly, and the ejector rod correctly snaps closed after the procedure. Company barrel address and patents are crisp and strongly visible. This revolver found favor on the "Old Frontier", being employed by John Wesley Hardin, and Belle Shirley (Starr). A very strong example of a relatively scarce Double Action 44/40 " Frontier" Revolver. PRICE $2,450