My 'Ugly' American

[SchofieldKid]

I have to admit to not really being a S&W collector, and with that said, I have picked up a few over the years. This old pistol has had a hard life and it appealed to me as an old West gun, though I don't have any evidence to support that statement. I have learned a bit about it myself and do have a factory letter for it. Here's what is known:
1. S/N 1824 1st model American
2. Barrel is 6"--appears factory but not specified
in factory letter
3. Caliber-.44 S&W American
4. I believe lanyard is original
5. Made concurrently with the U.S. contract for
1000 Americans -U.S. military
6. S/N 1821 was a U.S. contract gun, S/N's
1822-1824 were not part of the contract,
S/N 1825 was a U.S. contract pistol.
7. Grips are original-S/N 1824 on right
8. Finish is UGLY! Mostly gray but it almost
appears that at sometime it was browned!
A few pics to start, not the best but the best I can do! Any additional information appreciated! Thanks.

 

[SchofieldKid]

A few more random pics:

 

[DocB]

That's a great looking gun. I wish I had one. Very hard to find one these days.

 

[SchofieldKid]

A copy of the letter:

 

[gmborkovic]

Ugly! Not at all. Looks like an old correct beauty. Best

 

[SchofieldKid]

Thanks guys, I guess after looking at so many near pristine pistols on here I was a bit embarrassed to post it, but I still like it! Here's a shot of why I think the lanyard is original--E4 marked on 5 different places. The marking on the lanyard stud is about as tiny as I've ever seen--looks like the 'E' was double stamped.

 

[SchofieldKid]

A couple of shots of the muzzle to support my 'original' claim. It also occurs to me that the barrel address is centered between the front sight and the cylinder retainer screw, is that correct or is the address in the same location for an 8" barrel pistol?

 

[steelslaver]

Looks great to me for a gun and is 145 years old. Amazing really when you think about it.

 

[walter o]

If it is too UGLY for to keep I'll swap you 2- RHOM 38 " for it .I think it is beautiful and wish i had it . In my opinion you are one lucky person

 

[loknload]

Nice....Very nice!

 

[Iggy]

That is one fine looking old timer. If only it could talk.

 

[H Richard]

I think it is amazing condition for a S&W of it's vintage. Just barely broken in.

 

[SchofieldKid]

That is one fine looking old timer. If only it could talk.

It has!!!! It has!!! It said " Keep me! Keep me!:

 

[DocB]

Wow. . .1871. . .now that's an early Smith. So hard to find the big bores in these early guns.

 

[SchofieldKid]

Here's a better shot of the 'E4' at the back of the frame under the grips. The pitting makes it difficult to photo. Also, a shot of the lanyard stud inside the butt.--The 'E4' is also visible in the upper right on the backstrap.

 

[Glashaus]

Very nice! I would love to have one like it!

 

[mmaher94087]

I love the antique stuff! I will say that the lanyard ring is not the pattern that S&W supplied at the time. The S&W installed lanyard ring had a pin through the frame to prevent the lanyard stud from unscrewing and the end of the threaded post was domed. I suspect that it was installed by M. W. Robinson but I can't explain the marking on the ring stud. Gosh, I love a good mystery.

 

[jleiper]

I love seeing the early pieces! These revolvers got used and show their wear honestly. Great piece! I particularly like the lanyard with the assembly number and the great photos.
Joe

 

[shouldazagged]

Splendid old gun. I know you'll treasure it.

 

[Brian in SLC]

It also occurs to me that the barrel address is centered between the front sight and the cylinder retainer screw, is that correct or is the address in the same location for an 8" barrel pistol?

Same position, different location on my 8" American. My 8" barrel has the addy (etc) more centered and located further back from the retainer screw.

So...some other folks with comparisons will chime in, but, if the barrel marking being more centered based on barrel length, I'd say your pistol might be factory with that shorter barrel.

Wow...great looking!