Smith and Wesson 1st Russian, aka the Old Old Model...
Factory letter shipped Jan 1874 to M.W. Robinson and Co. in NYC. This example # 27147 shipped as pictured - nickel, 8 inch barrel, smooth Walnut grips. The order was for 100 pistols, all Russian Model, and in both blue and nickel finish.
100% correct and matching. Assembly numbers match on the grip frame, cylinder, latch, and barrel extension. Grips are original and the right panel has the factory stamped serial number. Mechanics are perfect, lockup is tight, and the extractor works perfectly and is very crisp on retraction. Bore is fair as shown, not bad but what you would expect on a BP pistol of this vintage. Barrel to frame fit is very good with no slop or wiggle between the two. Barrel address is very crisp and legible and all the screw heads are in mostly nice condition.
Pretty rare pistol in that only 5,165 of these 1st Model Russians were made for the US market with most of the production run going overseas to Russia under military contract. In addition, like the American Model, they were on the frontier early (1871-74) hitting the Wild West well ahead of the Colt SAA.
J.W.H. killed the sheriff of Comanche, TX with the exact same model pistol in 1874.
$1850 shipped insured to lower 48
Antique so it can ship direct provided local laws do not prohibit.
I will ship to CA but it must go thru an FFL which is an additional $45.
1st "I'll take it" here followed by a PM will own it.
Additional pics available on request.
Thanks, Ed
Factory letter shipped Jan 1874 to M.W. Robinson and Co. in NYC. This example # 27147 shipped as pictured - nickel, 8 inch barrel, smooth Walnut grips. The order was for 100 pistols, all Russian Model, and in both blue and nickel finish.
100% correct and matching. Assembly numbers match on the grip frame, cylinder, latch, and barrel extension. Grips are original and the right panel has the factory stamped serial number. Mechanics are perfect, lockup is tight, and the extractor works perfectly and is very crisp on retraction. Bore is fair as shown, not bad but what you would expect on a BP pistol of this vintage. Barrel to frame fit is very good with no slop or wiggle between the two. Barrel address is very crisp and legible and all the screw heads are in mostly nice condition.
Pretty rare pistol in that only 5,165 of these 1st Model Russians were made for the US market with most of the production run going overseas to Russia under military contract. In addition, like the American Model, they were on the frontier early (1871-74) hitting the Wild West well ahead of the Colt SAA.
J.W.H. killed the sheriff of Comanche, TX with the exact same model pistol in 1874.










$1850 shipped insured to lower 48
Antique so it can ship direct provided local laws do not prohibit.
I will ship to CA but it must go thru an FFL which is an additional $45.
1st "I'll take it" here followed by a PM will own it.
Additional pics available on request.
Thanks, Ed
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