Rating and value of Smith & Wesson revolvers (American Outdoor Brands Company)

If you own a Smith & Wesson revolver, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the era and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, if you wish to sell your piece, we'll direct you to the best possible device to get the best price for it.  

Rating and value of Smith & Wesson revolvers   

Smith&Wesson revolvers are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable depending on model and state of preservation.

Now, prices for these objects can rise considerably at the auctioneer's gavel. Buyers from all over the world are interested in sales of certain rare pieces.

The price at which they sell on the art market ranges between €1,200 and €45,000, at the moment, a consequent gap but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons.

In 2022, the six-shot 44-caliber Smith & Wesson " Russian " model sold for €7,210 while it was estimated at between €2,000 and €2,500.  

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

Returning to the history of Smith & Wesson  

To understand the fascinating story of Smith & Wesson, it's essential to go back to its beginnings. Founded in 1852 by Daniel B. Wesson and Horace Smith, the company marked a decisive turning point in the world of firearms.

From the outset, the founders relied on innovation to set themselves apart. Their first stroke of genius? The invention of the full-ignition metal cartridge, a major advance on the percussion cartridge case of the time.

This new, more practical and reliable cartridge was to change the game. Smith & Wesson quickly filed a patent for this invention, laying the foundations for its future success.

At first, the company presented itself as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, in homage to their first product: the Volcanic Repeating Pistol. This innovative pistol, with its repeating mechanism, was a real novelty on the market.

To give their fledgling company a boost, Smith & Wesson also bought out an essential patent: Rolling White's patent on rear-loading breech-change. This improvement enabled guns to be reloaded more quickly, a valuable feature for users.

By combining these innovations, Smith & Wesson created its first iconic revolver: the Smith & Wesson n°1. This model used rimfire and was available in 22 caliber.

At the time, no other company was capable of producing such an advanced weapon. The Smith & Wesson No. 1 therefore quickly found its audience, particularly in the civilian sector, where it became a highly prized product.

After the Civil War, which had created a strong demand for reliable weapons, Smith & Wesson continued to innovate. In 1860, they launched the Smith & Wesson No. 2, of which around 80,000 were produced.

This model saw the caliber increase from 22 to 32, offering more power. It didn't take long for the Smith & Wesson n°2 to become popular with civilians and military alike.

The brand's rise didn't stop there. In 1868, Smith & Wesson introduced the Smith & Wesson n°3. This revolver, designed to carry a .44 caliber, incorporated a reinforced frame and automatic ejection mechanism.

These improvements not only made the weapon more robust, but also quicker to use, making it even more effective in the field. Orders from the US Army and Russian military forces brought the company an unprecedented period of prosperity.

The true pinnacle of Smith & Wesson's success was reached in 1878 with the launch of the New Model No. 3. This model represented the pinnacle of innovation at Smith & Wesson.

By this time, the company had considerably increased its production rate and introduced variants of earlier models, such as the Russian.

The New Model No. 3 was the culmination of years of research and development, consolidating Smith & Wesson's position as a leader in the firearms market.

In short, the story of Smith & Wesson is one of a company that has been able to evolve and adapt through key innovations.

From the creation of the first ringfire revolver to market domination with iconic models such as the New Model n°3, Smith & Wesson has marked its era with its inventions and its ability to meet users' needs.

It is this quest for excellence that has enabled the company to make a name for itself in firearms history.

Smith & Wesson, an American story

Comparing the different revolvers prized on the auction market

The most highly-rated revolvers bought on the auction market are Colt, Savage Navy, Saint-Étienne ordinance revolvers and Smith & Wesson are the most prized.

• The Smith & Wesson stand out for their full-ignition metal cartridge, patented in 1852. This model offers greater reliability and loading speed than ever before.

  The first model, the Smith & Wesson n°1, used an annular percussion with a 22 caliber, which made it truly unique at the time. This revolver quickly won over the civilian market and launched a series of successes for the brand.
  

• The revolvers Colt, which first appeared in 1836 thanks to Samuel Colt, are known for their centerfire mechanism.

  The most famous model, the Colt Single Action Army or "Peacemaker", has become a true legend of the American West. Its rugged construction and simple yet effective design made it a preferred choice for law enforcement and military personnel of the time.
  

• The Savage Navy revolvers, produced by the Savage Repeating Fire Arms Company, were distinguished by their double-action mechanism. This innovative system enabled faster firing without having to put the hammer back down after each shot.

  Highly appreciated for their speed and reliability, these revolvers were particularly used in maritime environments and in a variety of conditions.
  

• Finally, the revolvers Saint-Étienne d'ordonnance, made in France, were specially designed for the needs of the French military.

  The M1892 model is particularly renowned for its solidity and accuracy. These revolvers were reliable choices for French soldiers for many years, thanks to their durability and combat performance.
  
  In short, each revolver has its own strengths: the Smith & Wesson stand out for their technical innovation, the Colt for their iconic design, the Savage Navy for their speed of fire, and the Saint-Étienne for their military ruggedness. Each has played a unique and important role in the history of firearms.

The success of Smith & Wesson 

Smith & Wesson began in 1852, thanks to the inventiveness of Daniel B. Wesson and Horace Smith. They introduced a great novelty with the full-ignition metal cartridge, radically changing the world of firearms.

This invention made reloading easier and improved the reliability of revolvers. The first model, the Smith & Wesson No. 1, used this technology with a 22 caliber, setting it apart from other weapons of its time.

its popularity in the civilian market marked the start of a series of successes for the brand.

Despite ups and downs, including the family's loss of the business in the 1960s, Smith & Wesson has remained a leading name in modern weaponry.

Today, although the brand is now known as AOBC (American Outdoor Brands Company), Smith & Wesson's legacy continues to attract attention.

The older models, in particular, are highly sought-after and sell well on the auction market. Not only did these revolvers make their mark on their era, but they remain treasured pieces for collectors and history buffs. 

Reasons to Sell a Smith & Wesson at Auction

If you own a Smith & Wesson revolver and are considering selling it,auctions are an excellent option.

Many collectors are looking for these vintage models, not only for their value as collectibles, but also for their historical importance.

Smith & Wesson revolvers are considered key witnesses in the evolution of firearms, and auctions offer a good platform to sell them to enthusiasts who appreciate their historical and technical value. 

Thanks to auctions, these unique pieces are exposed to interested buyers, often willing to fork out a high price for rare models or ones in excellent condition.

In addition, collectors use this privileged route to find rare pieces, and to secure their purchases through the legal processes framing gun auctions.

Knowing the value of a Smith & Wesson revolver  

If you happen to own a Smith & Wesson revolver, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, not forgetting to send you ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.