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Smith & Wesson 1899 US Navy Contract Revolver 1900

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Smith & Wesson 1899 US Navy Contract Revolver 1900
This is an extremely rare Smith & Wesson Model 1899 First Model Military & Police (M&P) U.S. Navy Contract revolver. In 1900 the United States Navy (USN) ordered 1000 of this new modern revolver with this being the very last gun issued of the 1,000 1899’s of the contract. The revolver features a 6 inch barrel, six-shot double action in a .38 Special caliber with hand ejector. This is the original initial production of the revolver that would soon be known as the Military and Police model. The revolver shows a serial number of 5233 and is matching on the frame, cylinder, and barrel (most often mismatched with this being matching) along with showing the 5-point star inspection mark present on the underside of the barrel, the back of the cylinder and on the inside of the frame. Most importantly the butt retains the correct markings “USN” over an anchor stamping, “38DA” OVER “No. 1000” (the U.S. Navy number) with the government inspector initials “CAB”. Most often these important and historic USN 1899 contract pistols have the markings found to be ground off by civilian owners after the guns left the service of the U.S. Navy with this still showing the original factory contract markings. This revolver was obviously issued and saw honest use, but remarkably retains the original worn checkered walnut grips unique to the special model that are serial number to the gun. Correct early Smith and Wesson markings with patent dates on the top of the barrel, “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D. JULY 1, 84 / APRIL 9, 89. MAY 21, 95. AUG. 4, 96. DEC. 22, 96. OCT. 4, 98.” Right side of the frame is marked with the S&W Trade Mark logo with white outline. The revolver shows fine mechanical function with an excellent bore. All of these 1000 revolvers that were delivered to the Navy in 1900 during the Philippine insurrection were in the 5001 to 6000 serial number range. This is a 100% correct and original revolver in every way and is truly a great and rare piece of U.S. Navy history during a violent and turbulent time. Serial Number 5233, manufactured in 1900. Curio and Relic Firearm requires a Curio & Relic License or FFL Transfer or NICS Background check. This is a very important significant revolver for the Smith & Wesson martial pistol collector.