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RARE US ISSUE NICKEL SMITH & WESSON 1ST AMERICAN

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
RARE US ISSUE NICKEL SMITH & WESSON 1ST AMERICAN
SERIAL 2009. BARREL 8". CALIBER .44 AMERICAN . ISSUED MARCH 1871. Serial number 2009 is listed in list of US guns (ALSO SPRINGFIELD RESEARCH) as is number 2008 that was owned by Texas Jack Omohundro who served as a civilian scout for the US Army during the American Indian Wars. You will find the small A (AINSWORTH) inspector stamp on right side of barrel (light) , cylinder and on left side of frame. The rib is stamped US. The OWA inspector stamp on left grip is not visible but the right grip is stamped inside 2009 along with some period scratched owners name. The butt also has some indiscernible name scratched in. Grips are smooth walnut. The United States government ordered 1000 of these revolvers with only 200 being factory full nickel plated as is this example. This is considered the Walker of cartridge 19th century US issue handguns. Condition. Revolver retains about 15% original nickel, mostly in hidden areas. Grips are excellent. Rifling is strong with some abrasion. Cylinder indexes correctly and locks up fine. An extremely crisp example of one of the rarest of all 19th century US issue revolvers. Ex Joe Poyer collection. Antique.