Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: First Model American, (Old Model American or Model No. 3, 1st Model Transitional)

Serial Number: 2219

Year of Manufacture: 1870-1872 / Antique

Caliber: .44 S&W

Action Type: Top Break Single Action Revolver with Auto Ejector

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69.". The underside of the latch is marked "2219". The bottom of the grip frame is marked "2219". The left side of the grip frame is marked "J". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "J 7". The inside of the right grip is marked "2219".

Barrel Length: 8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned beaded rectangular block that is set in a slotted base that is integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a “U”-notch integral to the barrel latch assembly.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. There are some areas of discoloration from oil. There are some scattered little nicks and dings, the most noticeable are on the bottom faces. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition as Antique. This revolver has a combination of a 1st American flat bottom frame with a 2nd American interlocking hammer and latch.

Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color hammer

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95+% of its metal finish. There are scattered spots of discoloration from oxidation, light scabs, and areas of erosion. There are areas of patina, frost, and light oxidation, some of the most noticeable is on the barrel rib at the muzzle. There is a crack in the finish on the cylinder. There are scattered handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is excellent with minimal play on each chamber. The timing is excellent. This revolver has a combination of a 1st American flat bottom frame with a 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: None.

Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson First Model American Transitional revolver was produced between 1870 and 1872 and represents a pivotal moment in Smith and Wesson’s early large-frame top break development. Chambered in .44 S&W and fitted with an 8 inch barrel, these revolvers were among the company’s first serious military and frontier sidearms, bridging experimental early designs with the more standardized Model No. 3 pattern that followed. The transitional configuration, combining a First Model flat bottom frame with the later interlocking hammer and latch, illustrates Smith and Wesson’s evolutionary approach to improving strength and reliability during this period.

The .44 S&W cartridge was an early centerfire service round intended to deliver authority in a military context. This example retains strong original nickel finish, clear markings, and good mechanical integrity for its age. Wear, erosion, and patina are consistent with a 19th century revolver, while overall presentation remains solid and historically expressive. As an antique, it stands as a tangible artifact from the post Civil War expansion era, reflecting the innovation that helped establish Smith and Wesson as a dominant American arms maker.