Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Revolver .44 Henry Rimfire Nickel Ivory Cut for Shoulder Stock RARE S&W Cowboy Pistol Factory Letter
Description:
Rare .44 Rimfire Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Second Model Single Action Revolver Cut for Shoulder Stock, Nickel Plated with Ivory Grips & Factory Letter, .44 Henry Rimfire, mfg. 1873. Favored by cowboys, outlaws, and legends such as Buffalo Bill and Wyatt Earp, the No. 3 American is considered the iconic Smith & Wesson of the Old West. The standard caliber for the No. 3 was .44 S&W American however just over 3,000 were made in .44 Henry Rimfire to satisfy customers who wanted a sidearm to compliment Henry rifles and Model 1866 Winchesters which were still in use primarily along the boarder and into Mexico. As described in the factory research letter this example was originally delivered to Smith & Wesson's largest distributor M. W. Robinson Co. of New York City where it was cut for a shoulder stock per customer request before being presumably shipped West. Approximately 600 No. 3 Americans were factory fitted with rare shoulder stocks but those guns had their serial numbers relocated whereas those cut by the retailer partially obliterated the number. The ivory grips would have also been added at this time and have the revolver's serial number "24445" penciled under the right panel. Overall the gun retains approximately 35% original nickel finish with the balance worn to gray. The surfaces are generally smooth with good edges. Original retailer fitted ivory grips are slightly undersized from natural shrinkage along the front and back but fit very nicely overall and have a great yellowed color with swirled grain and attractive frontier wear. Crystal clear barrel address with partial serial number "24XXX" on but and matching assembly number "C500" stamped on frame, barrel, cylinder, and latch. Original blade front sight with sighted latch, screws, trigger, and unique Rimfire hammer. Action is strong and crisp and functions perfectly. Cylinder locks up tight with little play. Barrel opens securely and snaps shut tightly against the frame with no play whatsoever. Cartridge extractor works flawlessly. Excellent bore with clean, bright, and sharp rifling front to back and only very light blackpowder frosting throughout with just a little fine pinprick oxidation at the breech. A very rare No. 3 American with an absolutely classic Western look! *NOTE* Due to ivory restrictions this pistol will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. No international sales. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm.
Price:
$4,250.00
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .44 Henry rimfire (11x23R)
Manufacturer:
Smith & Wesson
Model:
No. 3 American Second Model
Serial Number:
24445
Barrel Length:
8
Finish:
Nickel
Manufacture Date:
1873
Extras:
Factory Letter
Grips:
Ivory