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Excellent Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Excellent Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter
Smith & Wesson commercial production "Old, Old Model Russian Revolver" with S&W factory letter. The letter states that this revolver was shipped from Smith & Wesson to the largest S&W distributor, M.W. Robinson, in New York City on April 30, 1873. The S&W letter states that factory records indicate the revolver had a 8-inch barrel, nickel finish and smooth walnut grips. The revolver has a nickel-plated barrel, cylinder and frame with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, standard production 8-inch barrel and two-piece walnut grips (one grip is serialized internally to the revolver). The revolver is not fitted with the butt swivel. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS.U.S.A.PAT.JULY.10.1860.JAN.17.FEB.17.JULY.11.65 & AUG.24.69. RUSSIAN MODEL" in a single line. The serial number, "19634" is located on the butt. An assembly number "U445" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, barrel latch and on the barrel top strap. The 'Old, Old Model Russian' revolver was identical to the S&W American revolver except for being chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge and "RUSSIAN MODEL" markings. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 4,665 of these revolvers between 1871 and 1874.
BBL: 8 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 44 Russian
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 19634


Excellent. The revolver retains approximately 98% plus of the original nickel-plated finish. The revolver shows very little wear attributable to firing or handling. Finish wear is limited to some very minor flaking along the edges of the side plates. The hammer and trigger guard have 95% or more of the correct original subdued case colors. The grips are in excellent condition with only very minor storage and handling wear. The bore is bright. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is an excellent example of a commercial production S&W 'Old, Old Model Russian Revolver'.