W.F. “BUFFALO BILL” CODY PRESENTATION SMITH & WESSON NO. 3 AMERICAN SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

W.F. “BUFFALO BILL” CODY PRESENTATION SMITH & WESSON NO. 3 AMERICAN SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. Cal. 44 American. SN 27376. Blued finish, 2nd model American with 8″ keyhole bbl, half moon front sight and 2-pc walnut grips with the frame cut for an attachable shoulder stock. The right side of the frame bears the inscription in period script “To / Gen. N.A.M. Dudley / From / Buffalo Bill”. This revolver was purchased by Mr. Cody February 23, 1874 directly from Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson records disclose that it was shipped on this date to “W.F. Cody Buffalo Bill” at Albany, NY. The invoice states that there was one No. 3 revolver at a cost of $17.00, one shoulder stock for $5.00 and engraving name $.50. Total cost was $23.50. Apparently it was shipped collect.

Gen. Dudley was a Civil War officer of some distinction who was brevetted a Brigadier General and had a checkered military career after the war. It was apparently during this time, right after the war, when he was serving in Nebraska that Buffalo Bill was his civilian Army scout. Nothing could be learned of that association beyond the fact that Cody scouted for him. Apparently however, Cody must have respected Gen. Dudley and thought highly of him to present him with this revolver. In 1877 Dudley had become the commanding officer at Fort Union, New Mexico and was court martialed for a variety of charges including drunk on duty. He was found guilty of some of the charges, not guilty on others and relieved of his command. In April of 1878 he took command of Fort Stanton, New Mexico, which was near Lincoln, NM, which was the center of the Lincoln County War between cattle barons. His role in this historic cattle war is somewhat controversial and in fact he again was court martialed for arson in the burning of the house where Billy the Kid was hiding with his gang and Lawyer McSween. Almost certainly this new revolver would have accompanied Gen. Dudley during this period and would likely have been worn during this Lincoln County action.

This revolver was the historic firearm for the Smith & Wesson Calendar in January 1974, 100 years after it was delivered. In addition this revolver received a “TEN BEST ARMS AWARDS” for 1996 at the NRA Convention. This medal, #355, is included along with a blue & white plaque and its little stand. Unfortunately the orig stock has been lost.

CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including the grips. Bbl & cylinder are mostly a blue/gray patina with strong blue in the very sheltered areas. Frame retains 85-90% strong orig blue with a cleaned area on the sideplate thinning and turning plum on the right side over the inscription. Ejector pin screw is battered and the stock slots have some dings around the edges. Grips show moderate to heavy wear with small chip on the right toe and retain a dark hand rubbed patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A rare opportunity to own a genuine Buffalo Bill firearm with an additional historic connection. 4-54133 JR688 (150,000-200,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2005

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1040B.	$121,900.00	W.F. “BUFFALO BILL” CODY PRESENTATION SMITH & WESSON NO. 3 AMERICAN SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. Cal. 44 American. SN 27376. Blued finish, 2nd model American with 8″ keyhole bbl, half moon front sight and 2-pc walnut grips with the frame cut for an attachable shoulder stock. The right side of the frame bears the inscription in period script “To / Gen. N.A.M. Dudley / From / Buffalo Bill”. This revolver was purchased by Mr. Cody February 23, 1874 directly from Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson records disclose that it was shipped on this date to “W.F. Cody Buffalo Bill” at Albany, NY. The invoice states that there was one No. 3 revolver at a cost of $17.00, one shoulder stock for $5.00 and engraving name $.50. Total cost was $23.50. Apparently it was shipped collect. Gen. Dudley was a Civil War officer of some distinction who was brevetted a Brigadier General and had a checkered military career after the war. It was apparently during this time, right after the war, when he was serving in Nebraska that Buffalo Bill was his civilian Army scout. Nothing could be learned of that association beyond the fact that Cody scouted for him. Apparently however, Cody must have respected Gen. Dudley and thought highly of him to present him with this revolver. In 1877 Dudley had become the commanding officer at Fort Union, New Mexico and was court martialed for a variety of charges including drunk on duty. He was found guilty of some of the charges, not guilty on others and relieved of his command. In April of 1878 he took command of Fort Stanton, New Mexico, which was near Lincoln, NM, which was the center of the Lincoln County War between cattle barons. His role in this historic cattle war is somewhat controversial and in fact he again was court martialed for arson in the burning of the house where Billy the Kid was hiding with his gang and Lawyer McSween. Almost certainly this new revolver would have accompanied Gen. Dudley during this period and would likely have been worn during this Lincoln County action. This revolver was the historic firearm for the Smith & Wesson Calendar in January 1974, 100 years after it was delivered. In addition this revolver received a “TEN BEST ARMS AWARDS” for 1996 at the NRA Convention. This medal, #355, is included along with a blue & white plaque and its little stand. Unfortunately the orig stock has been lost. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including the grips. Bbl & cylinder are mostly a blue/gray patina with strong blue in the very sheltered areas. Frame retains 85-90% strong orig blue with a cleaned area on the sideplate thinning and turning plum on the right side over the inscription. Ejector pin screw is battered and the stock slots have some dings around the edges. Grips show moderate to heavy wear with small chip on the right toe and retain a dark hand rubbed patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A rare opportunity to own a genuine Buffalo Bill firearm with an additional historic connection. 4-54133 JR688 (150,000-200,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2005 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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