Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3

Lot 3:Smith & Wesson American Revolver 44 American

September 10th, 2011|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3

Lot 3:Smith & Wesson American Revolver 44 American

September 10th, 2011|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$7,000 - $9,500
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Serial Number "76" Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 1st Model "Oil Hole" Variation Single Action Revolver

Manufactured from 1870 to 1872, this model, was the first top break automatic ejecting revolver that Smith & Wesson made and also the first large caliber revolver that the company made. This revolver serial number "76" is a first year production gun which also features 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). The rear face of the cylinder, right grip frame and the barrel latch are marked with the assembly number "J3". Blue barrel, frame and cylinder with casehardened hammer and trigger guard. Fitted with smooth, two-piece walnut grips.

ConditionFine. 50% thinning original blue finish remains on the barrel, strongest in protected areas the balance is now an even gray patina. The barrel address is still crisp and clear and only minor handling marks and surface scratches are present down the length. The frame retains a strong 75% original blue finish thinning along high edges with surface scratches and dings scattered. The cylinder still retains strong original blue finish. The hammer and trigger exhibit flashes of brilliant case colors mostly in sheltered areas. The grips are very fine with only a few gentle pressure marks. Overall a very solid, totally original first year production 1st Model Smith & Wesson American.
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
ModelAmerican
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 American
Barrel8 inch solid rib
Finishblue/casehardened
Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3611
Catalog page7
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3155U.S. "Oil Hole" Smith & Wesson No. 3 "American" Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3128Early Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3116Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Second Model Single Action Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3107Smith & Wesson No. 3 "American" Second Model Revolver
View Lot
Show More