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LOT 1176
Excellent and Very Rare Smith & Wesson
New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver in
.38-40 Win., Serial Number “65”, with Matching
Extra Four Inch Barrel - Serial no. 65, 38 WCF cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel/
casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured c. 1900 to 1907 and chambered
for the .38-40 Winchester cartridge, in a serial number range of 1 to 74, as one of the
rarest Smith & Wesson production revolver variations. Refer to page 109 of “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” (3rd
Edition) by Supica and Nahas form more background on this scarcely encountered variation. Features an oval blade front
and barrel latch mounted notch rear sights, two-line Smith & Wesson address and patent dates marked on top of the barrel rib, “38”
WINCHESTER CTG” marked on the left side of the barrel, Smith & Wesson trade mark on the right of the frame, and a period upgraded
checkered trigger shoe. Matching visible “65” serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Fitted with a pair of “S&W”
monogrammed checkered black hard rubber grips, with the right panel numbered to a different revolver. Includes an extra four inch
barrel with matching “65” serial number visible in the latch recess.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original nickel plating and 85% plus original case colors with a minor cylinder drag line, some
minor cycling wear on the hammer, and a few minor handling marks. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling evidence
along with defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1175
Outstanding Cased Documented London
Shipped Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3
Single Action Revolver in .450 Eley Caliber with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 33326, 450 Eley cal., 6 1/2
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Originally
manufactured prior to 1899, this is an absolutely outstanding
example of a documented London shipped Smith & Wesson
New Model No. 3 revolver with an oak English retailer type case.
The included factory letter lists the revolver as having shipped
to Osborne & Company in London on 29 June 1900 as part of a
12 gun shipment, all in .450 caliber. These New Model No. 3s, particularly the Target variation, were
favored by the legendary American target shooter and Olympian Walter Winans, who dominated competitions throughout the world
in the late 19th and early 20th century, including in England. Interestingly, Winans did not actually set foot in the United States until
he was 58 years old, having been born to American parents in Russia. His success in competitions while wielding the New Model No.
3 no doubt spurred sales in England, with eager customers wanting the same revolver that he was setting world records with in a
common British caliber. This example is not a Target variation, though it does have a very prominent front sight. The top of the barrel
rib is marked with the standard one line address and the Smith & Wesson trademark is on the right of the frame. There are small
British proofs on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and barrel latch. It is fitted with
a tall, Patridge blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight, and a pair of diamond pattern checkered grips. Includes an oak retailer type case with a blank
brass plaque on the lid and a fitted interior with oil bottle and screwdriver.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% of the bright original, high polish blue finish and 97% plus of the original case colors with some extremely light edge/handling wear, and a cylinder turn line. The
grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some minor handling/storage evidence. It would be very difficult to
improve upon this Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver in .450 Eley!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000