I finally bought my first antique "big-bore" caliber revolver. This time-period is my area of least expertise but I decided to roll the dice on this top-break. If I'm correctly reading Mr. Jink's History of Smith & Wesson (pg 69-73), I now own a Model 3 American Second Model .44 S&W. It is a very late serial number at 31151 likely dating to 1874. Original nickel finish. All matching assembly number 1157 on right grip frame, cylinder, latch, barrel... and a matching 'heart' stamp on the frame and barrel. Appears to be a factory swivel screw in the base. From what I can tell this is an original matching guns, with the exception of the cut barrel and missing stocks. So while it is 'rough', from what I can find online, the condition is fair and barrels were commonly cut. The barrel and frame seem a little loose until the hammer is cocked and the cylinder stop locks the cylinder.

Appreciate you all letting me share... and while I hate to ask this, how would you grade condition and value?

__________________
Beau
SWCA #3106 - SWHF #643

Nice start! The gun has character and shows it wasn't a closet queen. Now go look for a period holster and a pair of old ivory stocks ! Ed.

I like it, definitely original nickel and it looks to be in pretty good shape.

Never seen the heart stamp on the barrel assembly before, it will be interesting to see if anyone can shed light on that.

The grips absolutely kill it for me - I'd say $1000 tops as it sits, if it had its original walnut stocks I think its a $1500 pistol easily.

Finding stocks is not gonna be easy. I traded a set of Ivory stocks that came off a 1st Russian a few months ago to OC Young. He may still have them for sale but be warned they fit perfect on the 1st Russian but did not fit a 1st Model American that I tried them on.

Also, Brandon Luter @ Luter Armory fixed a set of broken Walnut stocks I had a while back. One stock had a large missing piece and he was able to repair it where it was practically unnoticeable. As a fall back, Im sure he can better fit the current stocks and give them a much better appearance. He has done some fabulous woodwork on flintlocks that required the repair being able to match ornate scroll work or inlay found on some of these types.

Good Luck, Ed

Ed and Ed,
Thank you for your comments. I don’t know the significance of the heart stamp either, except that I have seen it on more modern revolvers. Either my 25-5 or 19-3 has a heart stamp on the frame.

I would like to find a set of original stocks, but as you stated that will be difficult and expensive. I will work on the current stocks for the time being. The old west appearance just spoke to me and after purchasing this, I’ve finally started reading up on Americans, Russians, Schofields... which I needed to do. Just hoping that this new acquisition doesn’t bring on the Smith Virus...

I seem to recall from long ago a Colt SAA military gun that had heart stamps over the “U.S.” on the frame. That stamp being from a Tombstone AZ. Gunsmith named Hart. I could probably dig that magazine up and look. Perhaps this gun was shortened by him and that’s his stamp.
If you look on old 1880s Tombstone town maps I think this gunsmith’s business is seen on Fremont Street. The famous gun shop there, of course is Spangenberg’s from OK Corral gunfight fame.

Very cool story, I found the Colt SAA you’re referring to, but it doesn’t appear to be the same marking. Worth reading the catalog summary!
Colt - Single Action Army-Revolver Firearms Auction Lot-1263