# 40973181

Fine U.S. Contract Ainsworth Inspected Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model Single Action Revolver

$ 11999.99

A highly desirable U.S. contract Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model, this revolver represents one of the earliest and most historically important American military cartridge handguns. With documented serial-number listing in the “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” and scarce U.S. contract provenance, it is a standout collectible tied directly to the post-Civil War cavalry era and the American frontier.

Manufactured by Smith & Wesson between 1870 and 1872
No. 3 American First Model revolver from the limited U.S. government contract of only 1,000 revolvers
One of just 800 examples finished in blue, with the remaining 200 nickel plated
Documented by serial number on page 92 of “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas
Falls within the recognized U.S. government contract serial number range of 125 to 2199
Historically significant as the first cartridge revolver adopted by the U.S. military
Believed to have seen use in some capacity with the:
- 2nd Cavalry Regiment
- 3rd Cavalry Regiment
- 4th Cavalry Regiment
- 5th Cavalry Regiment
- 6th Cavalry Regiment
- 7th Cavalry Regiment
Later replaced in service by the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolvers and Colt Single Action Army revolvers
Many No. 3 Americans continued in frontier use in the hands of Native Americans, settlers, outlaws, and lawmen
Produced in far smaller numbers than the Colt Single Action Army, enhancing its scarcity and collector appeal
Widely regarded as one of the legendary firearms of the American West
Standard one-line Smith & Wesson address and patent dates marked on top of the barrel rib
Perpendicular “US” marking follows the barrel-rib address and patent markings
O.W. Ainsworth “A” inspection marks appear in multiple locations:
- Left side of the top strap
- Left side of the frame
- In a cylinder flute
“P” proof marks are present in the following locations:
- Right side of the frame behind the recoil shield
- Right side of the barrel
- In a cylinder flute
Serial number is marked on the butt
Serial number is also stamped inside the right grip panel
Assembly marking “V4” appears on:
- Right side of the grip frame at the heel
- Rear face of the cylinder
- Rear face of the top strap
- Bottom of the barrel latch
Fitted with a pinned blade front sight
Rear sight is a notch located on top of the cylinder latch
Equipped with smooth walnut grips
Left grip panel retains a faint cartouche, an important military-inspection feature
“A” sub-inspector marks are present on both grip butts

This documented U.S. contract No. 3 American combines scarcity, military significance, published provenance, and Old West association, exactly the qualities that make an antique Smith & Wesson especially attractive to advanced collectors.

Condition

Fine, retains 40% of the original blue finish and 30% of the original case colors on the hammer with the balance mostly grey patina, in the form of mild holster and handling type wear, typical of a frontier-carried revolver, and some scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are very good with moderate handling wear and some scattered minor dings. The barrel latch spring is weak, otherwise mechanically functions. A rare U.S. contract Smith & Wesson American with attractive frontier character!