Smith & Wesson 1st Model American .44 S&W American (AH5608)

Smith & Wesson 1st Model American .44 S&W American. 8” Ribbed round barrel with a good bore showing scattered light pitting, partially bright areas and still crisp rifling throughout. The metal surfaces retain about 85% original nickel finish showing overall light flaking toning to a deep brown patina, scattered light dings and some sparse pinprick pitting. The trigger guard has toned to a plum-brown patina and the hammer is a dark gray showing some faint remnants of case-hardened colors lurking about. The area around the barrel hinge lock screw has been enlarged somewhat and the screw heads show light slot wear. The barrel address remains mostly crisp and legible. The smooth walnut grips remain in very good plus condition showing some light dings and handling marks. The right panel is stamp-numbered to the gun, the left is un-numbered and the remaining numbered parts are matching by assembly number. Barrel-to-frame fit is solid and the action seems to function well mechanically with excellent timing and lock-up. An attractive first model for the Smith & Wesson collector.