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Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model

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MSRP:

$499.00

Used Price:

$499.00

Sale Price:

$6800.00

Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model Gun Stats

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This model manufactured between 1870 and 1872 was the first top break, automatic ejecting revolver that Smith & Wesson made and also the first large caliber revolver that the company made. This is one of the first 1800 manufactured for the U.S. government with blue finish. This revolver has an "oil hole", as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model, located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the one line address and five patent dates (1860 - 1869) and "US" marked at the breech end. The barrel latch is marked ""Y2" and the serial number is marked on the butt and the matching number is stamped on the inside of the right grip panel. The is a small "P" inspection mark on the right side of the frame directly behind the recoil shield and a "P" on the right side of the barrel lug. Also Stamped are small sub inspector initials "A" on the left of the frame. All blue finish and fitted with smooth two piece walnut grips with a faint boxed cartouche on the lower left panel. The accompanying Roy Jinks Smith & Wesson letter identifies serial number "1146" as a Model 3 American First Model Oil Hole variation, with blue finish, 8" barrel, smooth walnut grips 44 S&W American caliber, that it was sold to the U.S. government on March 16, 1871 and shipped to the National Armory in Springfield, Mass. Interesting enough, this model was introduced 3 years before the Colt Single Action Army revolver and is probably, more than any other model, associated with the historic American West. The American revolver was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military and saw usage in the Indian Wars. The consignor notes state that this revolver was in the Charles Duffy collection for over 50 years.

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Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model Specs

1 Brand

2 Category

Technical Data

Gun Type

Revolver

How much is a Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model worth?

In 2025 a new or used Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model value varies depending on supply and demand. In the last 12 months there is great demand for a Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model and most handguns. The Price for a Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2025 compared to 2024.

Estimated New and Used Values for a Smith & Wesson 3 American 1st Model Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors.

Condition Trade-In Private Party Dealer
New In box $4,420.00 $5,780.00 $6,800.00
Excellent $4,080.00 $5,440.00 $6,120.00
Very Good $3,740.00 $5,440.00 $6,120.00
Good $3,400.00 $5,100.00 $5,780.00
Fair $2,380.00 $4,420.00 $5,440.00
Poor $1,700.00 $3,400.00 N/A

Gun Value Conditions explained:

New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Excellent - 95%+ condition with or without box.

Very Good - 90% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Good - 80-90% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Fair - 30% - 80% condition, parts, and finish may or may not be original. Must function properly and shoot.

Poor - under 30% condition. Firearm has severe wear and tear, does not function, or is damaged.

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