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LOT 3163
Outstanding and Unusual Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian 2nd Model Revolver - Serial no. 37655, 44 S&W Russian cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured from 1873 to 1878. The
Schuyler, Hartley & Graham distributor marking “SH” within a diamond is stamped on the butt. The barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates legend ending in “RUSSIAN MODEL.” The letter “A” is stamped on the underside of the ejector shroud, suggesting this revolver may have been a rejected Russian military contract revolver that was sold on the commercial market. This very unique Russian Model revolver also has a highly unusual and rare five-digit matching assembly number (“25038”) on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. All are unique features
never previously seen by noted S&W scholars such as David Carroll, Charles Pate, C.B. Wilson, John Wilson, and Roy Jinks.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original nickel finish with very limited very faint flaking. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer, and patterns of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling evidence and highly attractive color and grain. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional and rare nickel 2nd Model Russian perfect for any S&W collection!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 3164
Parisian Retailer Marked “Fnx pax Gastinne Renette” Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd
Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 21843, 44 S&W Russian cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. The barrel has the Parisian retailer marking “Fnx
pax Gastinne Renette” stamped upside down on the left side and “Paris” on the right side. The dovetail
blade front sight and “U” notch rear sight on the top strap are period additions to meet the demands of the day. The revolver is cut for a non-factory shoulder stock (stock not included) and has been re-chambered in .44 S&W Russian, a more
period popular caliber than the original .44 S&W American chambering. As S&W historian Roy Jinks noted
in the accompanying factory letter, “I would agree that the hole in the top of the back strap could be for a
shoulder stock. Gastinne Renette employed some of the best gunsmiths in France and they could do all types of work, including re-chambering to .44 S&W Russian caliber.” The sights were also likely added by a gunsmith employed by Renette. The factory letter confirms the revolver was shipped on June 27, 1873 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City with an 8 inch barrel, nickel finish, and smooth walnut stocks. The revolver has the one-line S&W address/patent dates barrel rib marking, matching assembly numbers on the grip frame, cylinder,
barrel, and barrel latch, and right grip panel numbered to gun.
CONDITION: Fine, displaying authentic use and wear, retaining 80% original nickel plating with the exposed balance a dark grey patina with scattered light pitting. The well worn and used grips are good with the left panel displaying a couple indentations, presumably from the stock. Action needs work as cylinder does not lock properly and there is no half cock notch. An interesting Parisian retailer marked and modified S&W No. 3 American 2nd Model Revolver.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3165
Excellent Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Target Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 32599, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on January 24, 1899 (all frames manufactured prior to 1899 making
this model an antique) and delivered to J.P. Lovell & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel , blue finish adjustable rear target
sight , and checkered S&W black hard rubber grips. The revolver is fitted with a pined blade front sight and square notch target rear sight and has the one-line S&W barrel rib address. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original polish blue finish with freckling and thinning to brown on the balance. The hammer and trigger guard retain 90% plus original case colors. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive example of the .44
Russian caliber target version of the S&W New Model No. 3 revolver. Estimate: 3,500 - 4,750
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