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, or if you don't know, the period and model of your gun, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their expert appraisal services.

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

Then, if you want to sell your part, we'll point you in the right direction to get the best possible price for it.  

Rating and value of Smith & Wesson revolvers   

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

Prices for these objects can now rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in sales of certain rare pieces.

The price at which they are selling on the art market ranges from €1,200 to €45,000 at the moment, a substantial difference 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, whereas its estimate was between €2,000 and €2,500.  

Value order ranging from simple to prestigious

A look back at the history of Smith & Wesson  

To understand the fascinating history 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 focused 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 of the time.

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

In the early days, the company called itself 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 acquired an essential patent: Rolling White's patent on rear-loading bolt-change. This improvement enabled guns to be reloaded more quickly, a valuable feature for users.

Combining these innovations, Smith & Wesson created its first iconic revolver: the Smith & Wesson No. 1. This model used annular percussion 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 quickly found its audience, particularly in the civilian sector, where it became a highly sought-after product.

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

In this model, the caliber was increased from 22 to 32, offering greater power. It didn't take long for the Smith & Wesson n°2 to become a hit with civilians and military alike.

The brand's rise didn't stop there. In 1868, Smith & Wesson introduced the Smith & Wesson No. 3. This revolver, designed to carry a .44 caliber, featured 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 came in 1878 with the launch of the New Model n°3. This model represented the pinnacle of innovation at Smith & Wesson.

By then, the company had considerably increased its production rate and introduced variants of previous models, such as the Russian.

The New Model n°3 was the culmination of years of research and development, consolidating Smith & Wesson's position as market leader in firearms.

In short, the Smith & Wesson story is that of a company that has evolved and adapted thanks to key innovations.

From the creation of the first rimfire 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 the history of firearms.

Smith & Wesson, an American story

Compare the different revolvers on the auction market

The most popular revolvers bought at auction are Colt, Savage Navy, Saint-Étienne ordinance and Smith & Wesson.

• Smith & Wesson guns are distinguished by their metal cartridge with integral ignition, patented in 1852. This model offers greater reliability and loading speed than ever before.

  The first model, the Smith & Wesson No. 1, used a 22 caliber rimfire, making it truly unique at the time. This revolver quickly won over the civilian market and launched a series of successes for the brand.
  

• The Colt revolversintroduced in 1836 by Samuel Colt, are famous 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 the preferred choice of law enforcement and military personnel of the time.
  

• The Savage Navy revolversproduced by the Savage Repeating Fire Arms Company, were distinguished by their double-action mechanism. This innovative system enabled the hammer to be fired more quickly, without having to lie down again after each shot.

  Highly appreciated for their speed and reliability, these revolvers have been used extensively in maritime environments and in a wide variety of conditions.
  

• Finally, the Saint-Étienne ordinance revolversmade in France, were specially designed for the needs of the French military.

  The M1892 model is particularly renowned for its sturdiness 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: Smith & Wesson revolvers stand out for their technical innovation, Colt revolvers for their iconic design, Savage Navy revolvers for their rapid fire, and Saint-Étienne revolvers 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 facilitated reloading and improved the reliability of revolvers. The first model, the Smith & Wesson n°1, used this technology with a 22 caliber, setting it apart from the 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 company in the 60s, Smith & Wesson has remained a leading name in modern weapons.

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

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 alike. 

Reasons to Sell a Smith & Wesson at Auction

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

Many collectors are looking for these vintage models, not only for their value as collectors' items, 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 pay a high price for rare models or those in excellent condition.

What's more, collectors use this privileged channel to find rare pieces, and to secure their purchases through the legal processes governing arms 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 the form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it.

If you want to sell your property, our specialists will also help you find alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.