Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: First Model American , (Old Model American or Model No. 3, 2nd Model)

Serial Number: 29575

Year of Manufacture: 1874 / Antique

Caliber: .44 S&W American

Action Type: Top Break Single Action Revolver with Auto Ejector

Barrel Length: 8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned semi-circle blade. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the barrel latch assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece smooth antique ivory panels, fitted to the frame with a single screw. The ivory displays an attractive, warm honey coloration with natural age patina throughout. Both panels show fine age related grain lines and natural shrinkage consistent with period ivory. One panel exhibits several tight, stable age lines and hairline cracks, while the opposite panel remains largely smooth with only light surface lines visible. Overall, these are authentic antique ivory grips with desirable coloration, character, and age consistent with period use, remaining solid and well fitted, and rating in Very Good Antique condition. The letter states that these grips were added after this revolver shipped from the factory.

Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color hammer and trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95+% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is generally strong and complete throughout. There is minor finish loss on the front sight, muzzle, and some of the edges. There are small typical small scuffs scattered about. There are scattered handling marks. There is case color visible on the sides of the hammer. The rest of the case color has gone mute. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this is in about Excellent condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is excellent with minimal play on each chamber. The timing is excellent. Features the 2nd American interlocking hammer and latch. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Factory Letter confirming a sold date of February 23, 1874 to M.W. Robinson Co., New York, NY with an 8" barrel in .44 S&W American and a Nickel finish. The letter states that this revolver originally shipped with walnut grips and the current ivory grips are added after it shipped from the factory. This revolver also comes with another letter dated a few days earlier which features all the same information except the caliber was recorded wrong as ".44 Rim Fire" accompanied by another S&W letter apologizing for the typo.

Our Assessment: This Smith and Wesson Model 3 Second Model American revolver, manufactured in 1874, represents one of the most important evolutionary steps in American revolver design during the post Civil War period. Chambered in .44 S&W American and fitted with an 8 inch barrel, this top break single action revolver exemplifies Smith and Wesson’s early leadership in metallic cartridge arms and rapid reloading technology. The Second Model American introduced the improved interlocking hammer and latch system, refining the original Model 3 design and cementing its reputation among civilian, law enforcement, and military buyers during the early 1870s.

The revolver retains a strong original nickel finish with attractive age toning and clear markings throughout, complemented by visible case color remaining on the hammer. The bore shows defined rifling with light, age consistent erosion, and the action exhibits excellent timing and tight lockup. The revolver is fitted with period antique ivory grips displaying warm honey coloration and natural age characteristics, noted by factory letter as added after original shipment. Accompanied by factory correspondence confirming original configuration, sales history, and subsequent correction of a clerical caliber error, this is a highly documented and visually striking example of a classic Smith and Wesson frontier era revolver.