It's been a while since I posted here and I was looking to get updated info from members on websites that show the known survivors from the 1000 gun order by the U.S. Army in 1870. To refresh members who may not know, the U.S. ordered 800 blue finish and 200 nickel finish model 3 Americans from Smith and Wesson in 1870. Serial numbers were from #0125 thru #2199. Delivery was finalized in early 1871 and they were shipped to several distribution points across the country. There is pretty good detail in Charles W. Pate's book Smith and Wesson American Model, but I was hoping to get more current data on survivors. Any recent selling values would be appreciated for insurance purposes as well. And, of course, any members out there that would like to share photos of theirs would be welcome on the forum. Thanks,
Gary

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Hi Gary,

Haven't heard from you for while!! Glad to hear you're still around!! I think a good starting point for you to find how many survivors are known to exist is to contact a friend that's a Current SWCA Member & see if they can check the Club's Database to see how many are posted there!! If you don't know of anybody that is a member maybe someone here at the Forum will step up for you & check!! I'm not saying what's entered there are the only one's, but it will give you some idea!! I'm sure there are many more that haven't been found or identified yet as well, but it will let you know how many are residing in collections to date!!

Take Care

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Masterpiece

This ISNT one, however its close. Serial # 4730. I was told it was found in a old barn being tore down in montanna. Supposedly it was a old stagecoach stop. The old couple that had it gave it to a friend of mine that he attended church with, because they knew "he loved guns". I traded him a old marlin mountie for it. Of course the barrel has been cut back. Sure would like to know what all that gun seen and did!

Thanks Tracy. We'll see if I get some info from other members here. I'm always amazed at the wealth of knowledge here and the generosity of the members with sharing that knowledge.

Every one of these classic guns that are still surviving must have quite a story to tell. That's what I find so great about these 150 year-olds.

Just thought I'd mention that while I have two Russians around here I also have a set of Hollywood loading dies marked 44 American. We shoot the Russians now and then. Do you shoot your American?

My American has NOT been fired since my dad got it from his dad in the mid '60s. It has only recently come into my hands and it is being worked on as we speak by one of the best gunsmiths for these models. A safe, test firing is planned but will not endanger the old girl. Hopefully, ballistics can be run to compare to known historical finds.

Re U.S. First American, I have a nickel U.S. with serial number 2065 that is in excellent condition with 80% plus of original nickel finish. It would be interesting to know where it saw duty, if it did. Pate book very good but it would be interesting to know more re where U.S. First Americans went.

Not many sell so it is difficult to value for insurance -- highest price I have seen at auction in high $20,000's and that was a nickel in excellent condition several years ago. Values have probably gone down with economy, but perhaps not as rare, fine condition guns seem to have held values much better than run of the mill condition.

If I can figure out how to post photo, I will.

I'd be interested in hearing about any other U.S. First Americans out there.

Rick

I know this thread is over 5 years, but I have one of the 800 blued ones. Issued to great great great grandpa supposedly.

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A few more pics of my US American including the "oil" vent hole. Serial number 1030.

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If you want to know where your US American may have served, go to the US National Archives (Military) and research the inventory records for the cavalry units that received American models. Whoever a unit had a change of command, the incoming CO signed off on all the small arms in possession of the unit and he was responsible to the Army for the guns. If anything was missing, or not accounted for, when he was reassigned, it came out of his paycheck. The Springfield Research Service also published some records, by serial number and date, of the military small arms l( Unit inventory records ) Ed.

I am the proud owner of serial #2150. Mine has no military markings and I have a letter stating that it was likely sent to Robinson in N.Y. so it likely has no military connection although I do know there were many private purchases my officers during the period. Mine is all matching and in pretty good condition. Lots of romance here and I like to think it probably has an old west connection. I have dies and a mold and shoot mine with black powder loads and enjoy it a lot. If this makes some of you purist cringe, fret not. It is cleaned well and has not been harmed. It is lovingly cared for, appreciated, and enjoyed. Wormey

You wouldn't want to sell 6 rounds would you? I don't want to shoot it but would love to have some to display with it. I cant find any anywhere, especially only 6.

Where are you located? I`d be happy to give you 6, but I don`t know what kind of hassle that would entail with the folks at the post office. Mine are loaded with black powder, which complicates matters further. Buffalo Arms Co. sells loaded ammo and a couple of other folks. I make mine from 41 magnum cases trimmed to length. Midway USA has a good video on YouTube on making and shooting 44 American ammo. Take a look, you`ll enjoy it. Wormey

I'm located around Springfield MO. I forgot about mail restrictions. I wouldn't be able to load any myself.

Wormey, sspierce8, USP will ship ammo with the 'ORMD' label. That's Other Regulated Material. It's probably too pricy for six rounds but it is an option.

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Mike Maher #283