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1st MODEL, SMITH & WESSON AMERICAN .44 AM, DELUXE CHECKERED IVORY GRIPS ...MANUFACTURED 1870-1872 IN A QUANTITY OF ONLY 8,000.......1872......

This was an incredibly significant revolver for the firm of S&W. It was the FIRST .44 caliber revolver they introduced, and first top-break system for loading and unloading. This offered QUICK loading and quicker unloading times, a real advantage. Many of the well known Frontiersmen  immediately began carrying one. Buffalo Bill in his pre Show days, Texas Jack Omohundro, Dallas Stoudenmire , and many others. They appreciated the smooth action, grip shape and balance, and all its superior features. Remember this was THREE full years before any Colt Single Action.  This 1st American, Serial No. 512X, from 1872, remains in superb ! condition. It has about 85% original blue present, the balance a smooth blending patina. the case hardened/ color on the hammer and trigger guard has slightly faded. ALL factory applied markings are present and distinct: barrel address , serial numbers. Mechanically, the working actions are PERFECT, NO mechanical problems. The Deluxe checkered Ivory grips are stunning, and bear all the characteristics of a 151 year old grip: color striations and NO damage.

A superb 1st American, fit for the finest collection, a very representative Western revolver

 

 

PRICE $ 6,500

1st MODEL, S&W AMERICAN .44 Am , L.D. NIMSCHKE EXPOSITION LEVEL  ENGRAVED, AND ENGRAVED NAME / PEARL GRIP, IMPORTANT MEXICAN HISTORICAL FIGURE...IGNACIO MEJIA 1872..

This is an absolutely exquisite and beautiful work of the engravers art. It is full exhibition level engraved, in the intricate and wonderful style of Louis Daniel Nimschke. In the last half of the 19th century he engraved about 500 firearms for S&W, Colt, Winchester plus other works of art.

This fabulous American, Serial No.646X is engraved in very small period script style on top of the barrel rib. It is done in a unique manner, due to the barrel address and decorative engraving, the first name is script engraved before the barrel address, the last name after the decorative engraving and barrel address. The name is IGNACIO MEJIA, QUITE THE FAMOUS MAN IN MEXICO. He was the Minister of War and Navy, from 1865 until 1876 under the Juarista Government. In addition he was a General, and continued to serve under Diaz. * With this S&W comes a brief historical sketch and photo copy of Mejia in Uniform **

This American has it's original Pearl grips.

Here we have the marriage of history, important historical figures, and a world class high condition S&W American revolver, engraved by the master Louis D. Nimschke. PRICE $16,500

The American was factory finished in nickel plating, with a case colored hammer. Currently about 35% of the nickel remains, mostly on the trigger guard and bottom of the revolver. The balance is a semi-bright light gray patina. The engraving is not worn, and all surfaces are smooth. The mechanical actions: opening, ejecting, closing, cocking and firing ALL operate 100% perfectly !

"THE BLOODIEST 47 ACRES IN AMERICA"

S&W 1st MODEL AMERICAN . .44, Marked "MO PY", this stood for Missouri Penitentiary, located at Jefferson City, MO.

This 1st Model American is one of those old revolvers we wish could talk ! 'cause this one would have something to say !! Serial No. 236X was manufactured in 1870, and found itself in service in the state of Missouri. The prison was known as "THE WALLS" by its inmates, for the stout ! enormous stone walls, high and thick ! It was home to many of the toughest desperados in the old west at various times. Members of the James-Younger gang passed through, like Bill Ryan. John Reno of the infamous Reno Gang, who by the way invented Train Robberies, and the toughest of the worst in Missouri where sent there. Starting in 1838. It was known as "The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America". Why, over the years it had many murders, (inside the prison) and several inmate riots, which "in the day" were only handled one way, with lead ! THIS American is marked by the Prison, on the top curve of the back strap. MO PY

A document goes with this American, showing the Penitentiary and some information, and a lead as to where to do more research if desired.

This 1st American, has about 50% blue finish remaining, with some plum color patina showing through.  ALL factory applied markings are present and clear, barrel address etc...Mechanically, it has perfect working actions. Upon breaking open, the star ejector rises, and return to the cylinder. It closes tight, the cylinder rotates and indexes, and the cocking action is absolutely correct. It is all matching serial numbers, including the grips. . The American is in it's original factory configuration,  eight inch barrel, walnut grips. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THIS IS THE ONLY SUCH S&W AMERICAN TO EXIST, IDENTIFIED TO A WESTERN PRISON, IN THE DAY !!!

PRICE $ 3,950

 

S&W , 2nd MODEL, SINGLE ACTION .38 @ 1878, with HISTORICAL POLICE ASSOCIATION

Serial No. 1287X is in near perfect condition. It has about 99%++ original factory nickel plate finish. There is 99.99% of case color hardening on the hammer and spur trigger. Yes, it has been fired, but probably less than the fingers on your one hand !

99% of case color hardening on hammer and spur trigger

  This model has the earliest type hard rubber grips, it has the Block Letters S&W, rather than the traditional entwined S&W logo.

hard rubber grips have the block letters of S&W

Both grips are in perfect condition, no chips, cracks or any damage what so ever. The RIGHT side of the frame is marked KMP 107. This stands for Kingston Mounted Police, a very early mounted Police force, in harmony with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in Ontario, Canada. In 1878 they enforced the Law from horseback ! My thoughts, this exact revolver must have been issued to an Officer, and it saw limited field duty, as witnessed by the excellent condition. ALL mechanical function for loading, unloading and firing function 100% correctly. A "minty" 2nd Model .38, with significant Police History from 1878.

PRICE $1,500

 

Historical S&W 2nd model SA .38

S&W top view historical police association

view of bottom of S&W w/99% of original factory nickel

earliest type of hard rubber grips

frame is marked KMP 107 for Kingston Mounted Police

Besides the KMP 107, the picture clearly shows the 100% presence of all the case hardening colors on the hammer.

minty 2nd model .38

SMITH & WESSON, 2nd MODEL AMERICAN .44, .........1873...Cut for Stock..

In 1870 S&W introduced the FIRST practical Metallic Cartridge Revolver, and it was an immediate success. Quickly, small design changes were implemented, and the 2nd Model was the result. It had a little more "metal" around the trigger pin, and a slotted hammer to insure a tighter lock of the top strap. Otherwise, same as the 1st Model. The American chambered the .44 American cartridge, and had an 8 inch barrel. It found immediate acceptance due to its quick ability to load and unload cartridges, and time was IMPORTANT ! This 2nd Model, Serial No. 1413X, is a totally correct example. It has all the factory applied markings, barrel address etc...and ALL parts are original to the revolver, and are matching in serial   (assembly) numbers. The working actions are 100% perfect in all phases and functions. The Walnut grips are smooth, show minimal hand use, and have a fine antique luster and patina. Many famous celebrities of the Old West used this Model, such as : Wyatt Earp  (he actually carried a 2nd Model American engraved to the OK Corral fight), Texas Jack Omohundro, Buffalo Bill, Cole Younger, Belle Starr, Dallas Stoudenmire, just to mention a few ! It was a stout reliable revolver, and "FAST" to operate and fire. This one has a unique feature, the back strap is cut for a detachable shoulder stock. The stock used in this case was a " Key Hole" stock. The attaching end was cut like a key, inserted into the opening, side ways, then turned to lock it into position.

backstrap of gun was cut for a detachable shoulder stock

Unfortunately, the stock and American have become separated over the last 140 years. An excellent choice for a collection, a BIG S&W Frontier revolver, and THE FIRST on the Frontier !!  PRICE $3,625

1873 S&W 2nd model American .44

S&W was cut for stock

8" barrel on this 2nd model American .44

a big S&W frontier revolver

This 2nd American has about 90%+ of all the original nickel plating, with the majority of the loss at the cylinder face, and breech end of the barrel. This makes perfect sense because, this is where the firing blast exits, plus the end of the barrel. Black powder was corrosive. The balance of the American is superb, with all the nickel plate present. There were really, despite their success, not that many made, ONLY 29,000 total between both Models. So, a high condition American is a scarce commodity.

MARCH 31, 2024

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