John Taffin’s Cimarron Uberti Model No. 3 .44 W.C.F. Top Break S/A Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,240.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS077
Make: Uberti, imported by Cimarron
Model: Model No. 3, 1st Model American
Serial Number: CS1232
Year of Manufacture: 2023 / Modern
Caliber: .44 W.C.F., .44/40
Action Type: Single Action, 6-shot Top Break Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “44 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel rib is marked “CIMARRON FIREARMS CO. FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUC. 69” and “U.S.”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “A. UBERTI-ITALY” and proof marks. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “CS1232” / “IT2023” / “44/40” and the Uberti logo.The bottom of the grip strap is marked “CS1232”.
Barrel Length: 8″, Full Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch milled into the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece smooth walnut with brass escutcheons. There is minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original metal finish. There are light handling scratches and scuffs. There is minor operational wear. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The case-color remains vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. The single action is crisp. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanical check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 American was introduced in 1870 and represented an important milestone in American handgun development as the first large-caliber, centerfire cartridge revolver manufactured in the United States. Its large-frame, single-action top-break design allowed the barrel and cylinder to pivot downward while the extractor simultaneously ejected the fired cases, providing much faster reloading than the percussion revolvers then in widespread use. Smith & Wesson’s Model No. 3 also became the first cartridge-firing revolver adopted by the U.S. Army and provided the foundation for the later Russian, Schofield, and New Model No. 3 variations. Cimarron’s modern Model No. 3, 1st Model American is manufactured by Uberti as a reproduction patterned directly from an original revolver in Cimarron’s collection and is offered with 5″ or 8″ barrels in several modern chamberings, including .44-40 Winchester. This 8″ .44 WCF example recreates the imposing appearance and rapid-ejecting top-break action of the early American while accommodating the readily available cartridge shared with many classic lever-action rifles. Its provenance to noted sixgun writer John Taffin is documented by the included Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
This 2023 example remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue and case-colored finish with only light handling and operational wear. The walnut grips remain Excellent, and the bright, sharply rifled bore rates 9/10 with minor fouling and no erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup and a crisp single-action trigger, though we did not fire the revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY