2020 September Premier, Volume I

Extremely Rare & Fine .44 Rimfire Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Single Action Revolver
THIS RARE VARIATION LACKS THE
NOTCHED HAMMER
Collector’s Fact
Of the 3,014 2nd
Model Americans
chambered in .44
Henry, only 2,157 lack
a notched hammer.
LOT 212
Exceptional Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver
in Rare .44 Henry - Serial no. 26035, 44 Henry RF cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured from 1872 to 1874. This is one of approximately 3,014 No. 3
American 2nd Models chambered in the highly prized .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Of the
3,014 produced, only 2,157 lack a notched hammer like this example. Overall this is a very
rare variation of the No. 3 American in fine condition. It also has the one-line address/patent
dates marking on the barrel rib, standard sights, and provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) on
the butt. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip
frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Many rimfire chambered Americans went to Mexico through the S&W distributor Wexell &
Degress where they saw hard use. Fine condition examples like this revolver are rarely encountered.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 60% plus bright original high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina.
70% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine with some high edge wear and minor
handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A No. 3 American chambered in highly prized .44 Henry missing from even the most
advanced collections. A must have for the serious S&W collectors looking to complete their collections!
Estimate: 20000 - 35000
199