329

Excellent Smith & Wesson First Model .38 Single Action Baby Russian Revolver with Factory Letter and

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Excellent Smith & Wesson First Model .38 Single Action Baby Russian Revolver with Factory Letter and
Often referred to as the "Baby Russian", this top break, auto ejecting revolver is chambered for the Smith & Wesson 38 centerfire cartridge. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address/patent dates and the serial number is marked on the butt, barrel latch, top strap under the latch and rear face of the cylinder. Five round cylinder, pinned blade front sight, notch rear sight, all nickel finish with casehardened hammer and fitted with black checkered hard rubber grips with "S&W." in an oval at the tops. Complete in an original green hinged box with picture label that reads "SMITH & WESSON / picture of revolver / No. 38. / Automatic Ejector. / SPRINGFIELD, MASS." and purple ink stamped "NICKEL / PLATED". The inside of the lid has the "directions for Use" label affixed. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, nickel finish, barrel length, caliber, checkered hard rubber grips and that it was shipped on July 27, 1877 to M.W. Robinson, New York City. Robinson was Smith & Wesson's largest distributor.
BBL: 3 1/4 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 38 S&W
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 22198


Excellent. The revolver retains 98% original finish with loose limited to some minor flaking on the muzzle. The grip straps are beginning to "frost" and there are some scattered minor dings and scratches. The hammer retains almost all of the vivid original case colors with some fading on the left side. The grips are excellent with crisp checkering. The markings are clear and crisp. The action is excellent. The box is fine with exception of a broken corner on the lid, some flaking on the edges of the label and some minor corner wear. The interior label is completely intact and there is some contact wear on the interior.