First Model American Value

HoundDog316 · #1 01-11-2022, 09:43 PM

Here's a first Model American, aka "Model Number 3, First Model Single Action" in 60% or better condition, in .44 S&W American caliber. All original, 8 inch barrel, S/N 47xx, roll mark on top of rib, manufactured around 1871. No vent hole, no US markings, nor any other unique characteristics. Interested in what value might be.

BMur · #2 01-11-2022, 09:59 PM

A lot !!!

Murph

mrcvs · #3 01-11-2022, 10:43 PM

I would think that your revolver might fetch $6500 to $8500 at a well attended auction, perhaps a bit more if two competing bidders really wanted it.

John in AK · #4 01-12-2022, 05:27 AM

I can't explain it, but there's something 'off' with the color of the blue--it's too bright, too light. Original guns weren't highly-polished blue, but more 'utilitarian' and dull. The blue has ostensibly 'lasted' better, somehow, than the case color on the hammer, trigger, and guard, which have obviously seen time and sunlight. The cylinder bores are pristine, which indicates two possibilities--an unfired gun from the black-powder-and-corrosive-primer era, or a refurbished one.

I hate to be a wet blanket, but I'd judge this as an old, high-quality refinish.

BMur · #5 01-12-2022, 12:18 PM

HoundDog,
You've been really great about posting photo's. Which forum members really appreciate. Can you post a couple photo's of the grip frame with the grips off the gun? What we are looking for here is possibly a "date code" stamped on the grip frame that would signify a return to the factory for refurbishing?

To me that's the only possibility. The finish to me looks too well done to be contracted. The parts have literally no wear and what I'm seeing is consistent with an original finish or "possibly" a restoration at the factory?

Murph

mrcvs · #6 01-12-2022, 01:49 PM

I am unable to determine if this is a refinish or not from the photographs provided. I was inclined to think not, but can’t rule it out.

Many photographs taken in natural lighting are necessary.

opoefc · #7 01-12-2022, 02:16 PM

If the finish is original, that's a $10k gun in any good US auction today and probably a lot more in a European auction. If it's a factory refinish, knock of maybe 25%. Ed.

HoundDog316 · #8 01-12-2022, 02:17 PM

Thanks for the help--here are a few more pictures. I suspect some of the observations are just my photo skills--I don't quite have it down yet, especially the lighting. I'm getting lots of glare, or they come out yellow. I'll figure it out... So a couple of observations since I have it in my hand: There is other wear consistent with the cylinder in other areas not photographed originally. Maybe it is visible in these pics. Also, I have a Russian that is very similar in age with essentially identical finish, both percent and appearance. They were from different sources into my collection, so unlikely an unscrupulous actor refinished them both. (I'll make a post of it today or tomorrow.) Also, there is a 3 digit number under the right grip, 098. It should show up in the pic. No other markings under the grips except the S/N pressed into the right side grip. 098 shows up on the cylinder face and under the latch--I suspect assembly number.

Again, thanks for the help and observations. I haven't cared about value in many decades, but I need to update as best I can before they get passed to my heirs.

iby · #9 01-12-2022, 02:31 PM

HoundDog
The lighting in your photos makes it impossible to determine the condition of your gun.
Take some in natural light .

mrcvs · #10 01-12-2022, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opoefc

If the finish is original, that's a $10k gun in any good US auction today and probably a lot more in a European auction. If it's a factory refinish, knock of maybe 25%. Ed.

I would think 10k including buyers premium, to get to that before any buyer’s premium would take a few competing bidders, I should think. Hence my estimate…

The photographs depict a First Model American with “oil hole” and special barrel length, with considerable condition. I paid top dollar for it in 2018, that being 15k, but I wanted it!

HoundDog316 · #11 01-12-2022, 02:55 PM

Here's some with natural light. That helps from what I can see, but I still have more refining to do...

mrcvs · #12 01-12-2022, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoundDog316

Here's some with natural light. That helps from what I can see, but I still have more refining to do...

I’ll have to admit that if your revolver is refinished, it’s a very good refinish! I’m inclined to think it’s original. But even the photographs in natural lighting aren’t the best.

iby · #13 01-13-2022, 01:47 AM

Thanks for the xtra pics
Keep trying
I would love to see it in high def