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Extraordinary Nickel Plated Deluxe Presentation Cased Smith & Wesson 320 Revolving Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:45,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Nickel Plated Deluxe Presentation Cased Smith & Wesson 320 Revolving Rifle

Estimate: $45000 - 65000
Introduced 1879 and manufactured until 1887 with a total production of only 977, this is one of the rarest Smith & Wesson firearms ever produced. Somewhat of a novelty of its time the revolving rifle was a new concept in firearms manufacturing first seen with Colt's "Buntline Special" in 1876 of which only a handful were manufactured. The theory behind the rifle was that it was easy to conceal, quick to assemble, could fire a long cartridge accurate up to 300 yards and powerful enough to take down a deer. Serial numbered from 1 to 977 the Model 320 was manufactured using the frame and basic action of the New Model No. 3 revolver with some minor differences in the hammer, cylinder and trigger. A slot is cut into the butt and a hole drilled in the back strap to accommodate the shoulder stock. Only 7% of all 320 revolving rifles were nickel plated. The rifle features an 18 inch barrel with an interchangeable front blade sight and two leaf folding rear sight. The rifle is chambered for the 320 Smith & Wesson cartridge invented specifically for this rifle. The top of the rib is marked with the two line address/patent dates. The matching serial number appears on the butt, cylinder and barrel latch. The barrel is fitted with a checkered mottled red hard rubber forearm with the S&W monogram. The grips are matching with S&W monograms in a circle at the tops. The stock is smooth Circassian walnut with nickel finished attaching iron and a checkered black hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram. Accompanied by a most impressive select grade deluxe walnut presentation case. The center lid of the case features a large silver presentation plaque bearing the initials "N.F." the lid of the case features a German silver double border. The interior is blue velvet lined with a cartridge compartment.
BBL: 18 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 320
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 358
Condition: Excellent with 97% plus original nickel finish overall exhibiting the beginning signs of an aged and pleasantly untouched frosted hue. The frame and barrel show very delicate scattered spotting otherwise only showing the most minor storage type wear. The hammer and trigger guard retain nearly all of their original vibrant case colors. The stock is excellent with only storage type pressure marks. The case is beautiful showing a few casual scattered surface scratches. The front right bottom corner shows a small old repair and a chip, the top left corner silver edging is loose. A rare, high conditioned, and highly desirable example of an iconic Smith & Wesson.
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