# 3 first model Serial # 25

[papabyrd]

I just traded for a beautiful number 3 first model with a serial number 25 star.
It came with a factory letter and the original wood grips numbered to the gun. It was sent back to Smith 11/1914 and was reworked with a nickel finish and ivory grips. Don't think it was shot much after the rework as the nickel is in great condition and the cylinder locks up like a bank vault. Ivory grips are showing their age with one little chip gone out of the bottom of the grip.
It's in 44 American caliber. Can any of you give me a value of this gun? i traded some WW2 pistols for it so I know what I have in it but don't know the value. Thanks for any input thanks.

 

[papabyrd]

some more pictures

 

[first-model]

Well, that's certainly got the "cool factor."

I'll be curious to hear what the experts say. Refinishing usually hurts value, but a refinishing job this own has its own historical patina. That, and the factory letter make it a very appealing package.

I'd wager a high four digit valuation, but I'm not the Model 3 expert so I'll defer to those that are.

Mike

 

[mrcvs]

I’ve looked at the photographs you provided—and looked again! And I simply cannot determine if this revolver contains the finish as applied November of 1914 or if it was refinished yet again since then. So, can you post several more photographs from several different angles in natural lighting to better determine this? Also, please include a photograph of the top rib of the barrel.

The finish on your revolver doesn’t strike me as being nearly 109 years old and some edges appear more rounded than I might expect of a factory refinish, leading me to believe there was a subsequent refinish. On the other hand, if the finish present is not factory, the individual who did it took care not to apply nickel to surfaces not originally nickel, such as the thumb latch.

Having said all that, I forgot this IS serial number 25, and you can probably add some to the values I gave,a bit of a premium for the 2 digit serial number.

A First Model American with an oil hole is desirable! IF this revolver contained its original finish, I would imagine in this condition with original finish, $10,000 to maybe $15000, if someone wanted it badly enough. A factory refinished revolver is worth about 85% of a comparable example in like condition but not refinished. As yours is nice, but refinished and not 100% as refinished, $6000 to $7500 if factory refinished, half again as much if not a factory refinish as it currently sits.

 

[mrcvs]

In comparison, here’s my First Model American with oil hole, although mine is blued. Note the sharp edges of frame and cylinder, in comparison. Now, is the lack of distinct edges, frame and cylinder, from the factory refinish or a subsequent one?

 

[mrcvs]

This photograph here, with no renickel applied to the mainspring and a still crisp stamped date code—this leads me to believe I may have complicated matters and the current finish is as applied at the factory November of 1914.

 

[iby]

#3

I like it a lot.
As to the theory that a factory refinished gun is worth 85% of the value of an original piece in comparable condition....
It would not be to me.
(in lower grades of condition the difference would be moot)
Thank you for the post.

 

[mrcvs]

I like it a lot.
As to the theory that a factory refinished gun is worth 85% of the value of an original piece in comparable condition....
It would not be to me.
(in lower grades of condition the difference would be moot)
Thank you for the post.

I respectfully disagree! A factory refinish HAS to be worth less than original, there has to be some sort of premium for factory originality! This is especially so with regards to a factory original finish in HIGH condition.

Having said that, I purchased a 4” Triple Lock revolver with a blued finish, manufactured in 1811. Certainly well under 500 blued Triple Lock revolvers with a 4” barrel were manufactured. I purchased it believing the 75 or 80% finish on it was original, and discovered, subsequently, that it was factory refinished a decade later. But I’m okay with that and the price paid, as it’s about 20 percentage points from pristine, and I was happy to have such finish and configuration—a “hole” in my collection. I’m certain I would not feel that way if my 98 or 99% Triple Lock turned out to be as such but factory refinished.

 

[Masterpiece]

This photograph here, with no nickel applied to the mainspring and a still crisp stamped date code—this leads me to believe I may have complicated matters and the current finish is as applied at the factory November of 1914.

mrcvs,

If you look closely you'll see the Op's Revolver was back to the Factory "Twice"...11.14 (Nov.1914) as well as 8/58 (Aug.1958)...Can't believe you missed that!! Meaning that the Latter Return Date..Aug.1958...Was most likely when the current refinish was done...That's why it survived so well!! Just thought I'd bring that to everyone's attention!!

 

[mrcvs]

mrcvs,

If you look closely you'll see the Op's Revolver was back to the Factory "Twice"...11.14 (Nov.1914) as well as 8/58 (Aug.1958)...Can't believe you missed that!! Meaning that the Latter Return Date..Aug.1958...Was most likely when the current refinish was done...That's why it survived so well!! Just thought I'd bring that to everyone's attention!!

I didn’t realize that 858 was a second return date! I thought it was a one or two digit month and a two digit year, with a dot in the middle. And so I would have expected 8.58 instead!

And so we don’t know what was done in 11.14 and 8.58 except for at least one refinish. BUT two refinished at the factory are possible, and this could explain the softer edges than I might expect with care not to renickel components that shouldn’t be nickeled at all. And so perhaps this revolver was refinished November of 1914 AND August of 1958 by the factory???

 

[Model19man]

Image rotated to right side up and resized so you can read it.

It was originally blued so the refinish in nickel hurts the value. Overall it still looks nice - maybe $3500?

 

[iby]

#3

The rounded edges suggest that it was refinished twice.
The quality of the rework was probably less in '58 than '14
Never the less, a very cool revolver.

 

[mrcvs]

Image rotated to right side up and resized so you can read it.

It was originally blued so the refinish in nickel hurts the value. Overall it still looks nice - maybe $3500?

That’s a good point. Does a factory refinish that results in a change from blued to nickel make a revolver any less valuable than if the factory refinish was from blued to blued?

I had given my valuation previously, but would value it at the lower ranges simply because of loss of detail from the probable second factory refinish or the refinish not being quite as good as a typical factory refinish. Some are so good it’s debatable if it’s been refinished at all. Sharp edges remain, etc. so, I think your estimate is close to what this revolver might sell at in an auction.

 

[papabyrd]

Thank you all for your response. And for pointing out the second rework. Without the dot between the 8 and 58 I would have thought it was the person's code number that did the work. Well I'm in it for less than $2,000.00 and have always wanted one so I think I'm sitting pretty.
Thanks again Guys

 

[Masterpiece]

I didn’t realize that 858 was a second return date! I thought it was a one or two digit month and a two digit year, with a dot in the middle. And so I would have expected 8.58 instead!

mrcvs,

Concerning the (Dot) missing in the Aug.'58 Return Date...Not too uncommon to see Return Dates with & without the (Dot) in the Late 40's into the Late 50's...I've crossed paths with many Returned Revolvers having it done both ways in 50+ yrs. of collecting S&W's!!