Smith & Wesson was determined to have a revolver in use by the United States Army, and particularly the Cavalry. It started well, with the 1st Model American in 1871, but then in 1873 Colt, with the .45 SAA took over control of the Government Contracts. Not to be dismayed, in 1875 they had their first .45 caliber revolver accepted, the 1st Model Schofield, soon followed with design improvement, and the 2nd Model Schofield. However, as in the past, they only lasted until about the end of the 1880's, and were retired from service in favor of all Colt. Then in the 1890's they found NEW life. Sold as government surplus to Hartley & Graham of New York, and Bannerman of New York. MANY had their barrels reduced to 5 inches, and sold to various EXPRESS companies, like Wells, Fargo. However, ALL experienced restoration, with new finishes, and PERFECTLY done, as witnessed by the perfect side barrel address, shown at right. Some unaltered specimens went to the San Francisco Police Dept. It is also speculated, ( by Roy Jinks, S&W Historian) the ones fitted with Lanyard rings, as this example is, went to the U.S.I.D. ( United States Interior Dept.) to be issued as Indian Police revolvers on the various reservations. 

Serial No. 523X remains in 99% Hartley & Graham original nickel plate finish. All the blue remains on the thumb latch. The walnut grips still have incredibly ! clear Military Cartouches, on both grips. The butt has been fitted with a Lanyard ring. The break-top ejection system functions perfectly, as well as the cocking, locking, indexing, and firing , each and every time the revolver is cocked. A rare, and SUPERB condition 2nd Model Schofield, with a double life history, and both part of the taming of the Old West.  PRICE $7,250

SMITH & WESSON, "NEW DEPARTURE" a.k.a "LEMON SQUEEZER", a.k.a. "BICYCLE MODEL" WITH SHORT BARREL, //// S&W , .32 SAFETY FIRST MODEL DA REVOLVER///

Smith & Wesson introduced their concealed hammer model, in 1888. During this period, they became quite popular, due to their shrouded, or internal hammer, making it an ideal pocket revolver. Society progressed into the "Bicycle "era, and S&W went with it. The normal barrel length  for this Model is 2 inches. This is an EXTREMELY scarce variation with a factory 1-3/4 inch barrel, side barrel company address. This revolver was ideal to be carried by the "Cyclist" on his or her new fangled bicycle, for protection against mad dogs, or criminal opportunist! This "Bicycle"
 Model, Serial No.2438X has about 99.9% of all it's original bright factory nickel plating, and the same for the bright polished blue trigger guard. It is artistically highlighted with a perfect pair of radiant Mother of Pearl grips. There is some minor "freckling" on the surface  at the edges of the cylinder, and some flute areas, but does NOT detract from the overall appearance. The trigger retains ALL the bright case hardening colors. All serial numbers are matching, and the "side barrel" company address is perfect and clear. ALL mechanical functions operate 100% correctly, for breaking open, ejecting, loading, cocking and firing. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY RARE REVOLVER WITH THE FACTORY 1-3/4 INCH BARREL, within a very scarce variation of the New Departure Model. PRICE $2,450

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  

Introduced in 1881, it was S&W's first large frame break top, as prior to that it was .38 being the largest. This revolver has the more scarce barrel length of 4 inches. Serial No. 1114X has about 99.99% of all the original factory nickel plate finish, with the bright high polish blue trigger guard.

The nickel finish is impeccable, except for a few gray "pepper spots", scattered on the surface, but in no way detracting from the finish, or excellent appearance. The hammer and trigger have ALL their case hardening colors. the checkered hard rubber monogrammed grips are in perfect condition, as this revolver was barely if ever fired. the action on both single action mode, and double action mode function crisply and with exact precision. This revolver did find favor on the frontier among aficionados of the pistol trade. Belle Starr, and J.W."Wes"Hardin, thought it worthy to be carried! A fine addition to any collection. PRICE $2,150

In 1870 S&W introduced the FIRST top break revolver, and in a large bore caliber, of .44 American. This revolver preceded Colt by more than 3 years, in introducing a large bore metallic cartridge single action. They produced about 8,000 revolvers, and they were noticed by men who knew the advantages. Carried by " Buffalo " Bill, and even Wyatt Earp, and others. In 1872, S&W made some minor design changes and introduced the 2nd Model American , which was manufactured until 1874, with a quantity of 20,735 revolvers. WITHIN this Serial Range, only 3,014 were manufactured in .44 Henry Rim Fire !!

This 2nd Model American, Serial No. 2210X, is a factory .44 Henry Rim Fire. The Henry cartridge died hard, because it was part and parcel of two famous legends, the Henry rifle, and the Winchester '66 Carbine. These weapons had huge longevity, so S & W recognized this, and made a limited quantity of Americans for that market segment. There is no doubt they went on forever in Mexico, and on the rough Tex/Mex border. This Henry/ American has a pleasing gray/dark gray/blue patina. The company barrel address, with patents, and company address is clear and very legible. The Walnut grips are smooth, and only slightly worn at the corners. All parts are original to the revolver, and the operating mechanics work perfectly, through all phases of loading, ejecting, closing, and firing  AN EXTREMELY RARE and SCARCE revolver.  PRICE $4,450

In 1870, Smith & Wesson got about a 3 to 5 year jump, on all the other major manufacturers, by introducing a .44 caliber metallic cartridge revolver. It was an immediate success, in  fact the U.S. Cavalry placed an order for about 1,000 revolvers. The civilian trade also recognized the new revolver, and it's advantages, and notables such as Cole Younger, Bill Cody, and Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire became owners. Following the introduction, S&W made some minor mechanical improvements, and introduced the 2nd Model American in 1872, making almost 22,000 revolvers. This example is a 2nd Model American, Serial No. 171XX. It has about 35% of the original factory blue finish, the balance is a pleasing plum color patina. Most all blued arms will eventually wind up this plum color, due to age and oxidation of the blue finish. The Walnut grips are smooth, and perfect, with no damage. The screw head slots are clean and crisp, as is the barrel address and patents. ALL assembly numbers match, and the Serial Number is clear and visible. The break open ejection action works perfectly, and the cocking, indexing, and firing action is tight and exact. All parts are original to the American.

A very respectable specimen, for an ever increasingly more difficult model to obtain for the collector.  PRICE $4,100

In 1870 S&W introduced their first top - break large bore revolver, the American, in .44 caliber. From 1870 - 1872 they manufactured 8,000 revolvers. Many frontier celebrities immediately gravitated to the new and advanced system. Several were, " Buffalo" Bill, Wyatt Earp, Dallas Stoudenmire, Cole Younger, and even on his FIRST act of gun play in Comanche Texas, John Wesley Hardin brandished an American. This American even falls into a smaller classification, it is a TRANSITION Model American. Starting at the mid six thousand range, the first models acquired a design change, with a notched hammer, that interlocked when at rest against the top strap. So this is a Transition, First Model American, Serial No. 725X. In addition, this revolver was cut for stock, most likely by a professional dealership, as it differs from the factory style of cutting.

This revolver is finished in full SILVER PLATE FINISH, and appears to be original to the period, possibly factory! Today, 99% of all the silver plating remains, however, as silver will do, areas are very dark, due to tarnish. The S&W has not been cleaned or " messed" with. All parts are original to the revolver. The barrel address, comprising company name and patents, is clear and sharp. The walnut grips show continued use, and HAVE 6 notches in the right grip! In addition, the same  six notches appear on top of the barrel. Who knows?? All mechanical functions: opening, ejecting, loading, closing, and firing all function correctly. An interesting and provocative revolver! PRICE $ 3,250

Following the initial success of the First Model American, S&W made a few minor design changes, and introduced the 2nd Model American in 1872. It was in production for two years until 1874, for a total of 20,735 revolvers. Serial No. 2304X, is the Standard 8 inch barrel, single action 2nd Model American, chambered for the .44 American cartridge. It was very popular, and many "western notables" carried this model, on both sides of the badge ! This specimen has about 65% of the original S&W factory nickel plate finish, the balance a light gray patina. The right hand side is definitely stronger, probably due to being carried in a holster for many years. The walnut grips are smooth, and have a fine antique walnut luster, and no damage. All parts are original to the revolver. The action of breaking open, loading, closing, and the firing sequence, ALL function with perfect precision. The barrel address of S&W, and the patent dates are clear sharp, and very legible. A very honest frontier revolver, and splendid example of a 2nd Model American. PRICE $ 3,500