S&W Model 3 American Revolver, Russian Contract Reject, Letter, O-179

Description

Synopsis:

The S&W Model 3 American Revolver, the first of S&W’s .44 caliber revolvers, in nickel finish, manufactured in 1871 and chambered in .44 S&W American, features an 8″ barrel and is notable as a Russian contract reject, complete with a factory letter confirming its historical significance and configuration. ANTIQUE!

Description:

Standard configuration S&W Model 3 American Revolver, nickel finish, chambered in .44 S&W American, with 8″ barrel, half moon front sight and ‘V’ notch rear sights. Largely unmarked except for the single line S&W address on the top of the barrel rib and four digit SN that is repeated on the bottom of grip, back of barrel, back of cylinder, unlocking lever, and right grip. Smooth wood grips. Complete with factory letter referencing model, caliber, and grips, citing sale in October 1871, and opining that this gun was one of the Russian Contract rejects, signed by S&W Historian Roy G. Jinks.

Condition:

G/VG period refinished condition, now with sharp edge wear and scattered flaking. Hammer, trigger, and trigger guard with original faded finish. Grips with thin varnish and scattered handling marks. Exceptional, mirror bore. Correct manual mechanics with cocking shows proper indexing of all cylinders. A very interesting Smith & Wesson Model 3 American revolver, made 1871, in the classic .44 S&W American caliber, with factory letter opining that this example was one of the Russian contract rejects, subsequently diverted to commercial sale in the US domestic market. ANTIQUE!