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Elaborate Silver Damascened Smith & Wesson Turkish Contract Rimfire Third Model Russian Single Actio

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Elaborate Silver Damascened Smith & Wesson Turkish Contract Rimfire Third Model Russian Single Actio
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Estimate: $4500 - 6500
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model: No. 3
This is an elaborately embellished example of one of the rare and desirable Smith & Wesson Turkish government contract .44 Henry Rimfire caliber revolvers. These were supplied to the Turkish military in the early 1870's and were converted from .44 Russian caliber by Smith & Wesson prior to shipment to meet the terms of the 5,000-gun contract. The revolver was subsequently decorated in the period of use with nearly full coverage of vine and geometric silver damascene inlay. The only areas not covered are the barrel and cylinder flutes and the outer edging. The remainder of the revolver was left in its original blue finish with the screw heads and top strap screw gold plated. A small portion of the barrel rib address is visible due to the silver inlay, the serial number on the butt has been removed but is found on the inside of the right grip panel, the matching assembly number "2622" is marked on the rear cylinder face, barrel latch and barrel. Blade front and notch rear sights, trigger guard spur, lanyard ring on the butt. The grips are fabulously silver-wire inlaid decorated and are simply magnificent in their old-world craftsmanship. Complete with a unique leather holster which appears to have been with this revolver its entire life. One of the most rare large-frame Smith & Wesson Single Action revolvers to be found, in .44 Henry Rimfire caliber.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 2622
Condition:
Very fine. The revolver retains 40% original blue finish with a smooth mottled gray patina on the rear edge of the cylinder and some minor pitting and spotting in a couple of the flutes. All of the silver inlay remains and has somewhat dulled with age. Most of the gold remains on the screw heads. The grips are excellent with 99% of the silver wire inlay remaining. The action is excellent. The holster is good with moderate flex and some crazing and age cracks of the surface.