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Very Rare Smith & Wesson New Model Number 3 Frontier Revolver with Rare Kelton Type Safety

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Very Rare Smith & Wesson New Model Number 3 Frontier Revolver with Rare Kelton Type Safety
Pinned front sight with a drift adjustable notched rear sight found on other examples of this model. Nickel barrel, cylinder and frame with casehardened hammer and trigger guard. The barrel is marked on the rib with the two line "REISSUE" address and patent dates. Grips are brown checkered hard rubber with the S&W monogram at the top. The right side of the frame is equipped with a Kelton type thumb safety. The safety is attached with two screws and functions as a thumb activated interlocking safety. The top of the safety is a replacement. Only once the shooter activates the device bar will the firearm be able to discharge. See Jinks and Neal Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 pages 219 and 229 for further information on the Kelton safety. Included are numerous documents and articles on the Kelton Safety NM #3's from historians and researchers such as Charles Pate and Ronald Ogan. Only a small handful of these revolvers were produced for military purposes, this revolver and serial number 1651 are the only examples known to have been built in the NM #3 Frontier series, having a 1 9/16" cylinder and longer frame. All 5 other known examples are configured on the standard NM #3 frame and have 1 7/16" cylinders.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: nickel
Grips: hard rubber
Serial Number: 1652


Fine overall. 70% of the original nickel finish remains on the barrel showing scattered patches of pin prick type pitting spotting and some light handling marks. The cylinder shows similar type pitting and spotting and retains about 60% nickel finish. 85% nickel finish remains on the frame with spotting and some cleaning type surface scuffs. The grips are very fine showing only minor pressure marks. The action is fine.