4347

SMITH & WESSON No. 3 1st MODEL SA REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
SMITH & WESSON No. 3 1st MODEL SA REVOLVER.

Cal. 44 S&W. S# 344. Bbl. 8" ribbed with long ejector housing having vent hole; eliminated after serial number 1500. Mfg. 1870-1872 as nickel plated (including barrel latch) having blued trigger plus case colored hammer and trigger guard; smooth square butt wood grips. Pinned semi circular front sight plus notched barrel latch at rear. Does not have barrel latch to hammer interlock of improved later models; approx. 8,000 No. 3's produced including later transitional models. Assembly number 11 on right rear bottom of frame, rear of cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. Back of right grip numbered 344. This model also purchased by US (1,000 units within serial range of 125-2199). Very similar to Russian Model except that chambers in cylinder are bored straight through rather than with step for case mouth. CONDITION: good to very good appearance (somewhat cloudy) with some areas of flaking finish such as top strap above cylinder and near muzzle. Light cylinder turn line plus areas of nickel beginning to bubble. Traces of case colors turning to grey patina; very good on right side of hammer. Good appearing grips with light marks and small chips at bottom of left. Backs of both grips have center split; lesser degree on right. Very good tight action and fine mechanics. Very good to excellent bright bore with hint of wear. (01-22063/NW). ANTIQUE. $5.000-8,000.