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Excellent and Interesting Smith & Wesson Number Three New Model Russian Single Action Target Revolve

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Excellent and Interesting Smith & Wesson Number Three New Model Russian Single Action Target Revolve
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Estimate: $9500 - 13000
Manufactured from 1874 to 1878, this model is also known as the 3rd Model Russian. The most notable differences in appearance from the 2nd Model are the large knurled cylinder retainer screw on the top strap, shorter ejector rod housing under the barrel and the 6 1/2 inch barrel vs. the 7 inch of earlier Russian Models. This revolver has a few differences then a standard New Model Russian, which are explained in a correspondence from author and Smith & Wesson expert David R. Chicoine, who examined the revolver, to well known Smith & Wesson expert, dealer and collector David Carroll. The first is the barrel address is with the re-issue date and not "RUSSIAN MODEL", which might mean the revolver was originally intended for military use other than for sale to Russia, possibly Japan. This fact being backed up by the fact there is a small "P" on the butt and in between the barrel catch posts on the frame. The target barrel catch is a professionally altered New Model 3 catch, the elevation screw is ahead instead of behind the raised portion where the cylinder catch would be if the part were a regular target New Model 3 catch and the front sight is a pinned blade from a Wesson Favorite, and as the rear sight, Chicione believes both to be professional and has no doubt that it is factory work. He also believes it was manufactured in 1874, (date stamped on the butt), and was intended for some non-Russian military contract which never took place or the revolver was rejected before the rest of the inspectors marks were put on. The letter ends by saying "In any event, this is a very cool New Model Russian and in gorgeous condition!" One line address and patent dates on the top of the barrel rib, "1874/4577" on the butt behind the lanyard ring and "P" ahead of it. The matching serial number is also marked on the rear cylinder face, barrel latch and barrel, as well as stamped on the inside of the left grip panel. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, and fitted with smooth walnut grips.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 44 Russian
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 4577
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus original bright blue finish with loss due to flaking on the barrel and cylinder, and some mild thinning on the back strap. Almost all of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The screw heads exhibit nearly all of their original niter blue finish. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A wonderful, rare and interesting Russian.