3266

Scarce Commercial Variation Smith & Wesson Model 3 First Model Russian Single Action Revolver with F

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Scarce Commercial Variation Smith & Wesson Model 3 First Model Russian Single Action Revolver with F
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Identical to American Models except for the barrel address and chambered for the 44 Russian rather than the 44 American. This is a commercial variation revolver numbered within the American Model serial range. Smith & Wesson manufactured a total of 26,000 1st Model Russians between 1871 and 1874, 5,165 for commercial sales and rejected contract arms, the balance were Russian contract arms. This particular revolver was manufactured in 1874 and features a pinned blade front sight with notched rear sight on barrel latch. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel, and barrel latch. Next to the serial number on the butt is the five point Smith & Wesson refinish mark. The top of the rib is marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10.60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY. 11 65 & AUG. 24. 69. RUSSIAN MODEL". All blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger, the lanyard on the butt has been removed and a screw has been placed in the hole. Fitted with checkered walnut grips and with mismatched number (17565) stamped on the inside of the right panel. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number as having an 8 inch barrel, blue finish, smooth walnut grips and that it was shipped as 1 of 100 to M.W. Robinson, New York, N.Y. on March 28th 1874.
BBL: 8 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 44 Russian
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 30032
Condition: Refinished by Smith & Wesson (marked with star) with 97% factory blue finish remaining, with some muzzle wear, a drag line and two scratches around the cylinder. The scratches appear to have been caused by the trigger guard screw on the bottom of the frame. There is some minor pitting under the finish on the cylinder. The hammer and trigger have a smooth mottled brown patina. The grips are good with a few minor dings and moderate wear to the checkering. The markings are clear. The action is fine.