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Oakley is known to have owned multiple Smith & Wessons during her career, and a pair of smoothbore
revolvers with bead front sights would have been an excellent choice for her trick shooting acts.
Exhibition shooters typically fired small shot at targets which was significantly safer than using solid
bullets as it looses its energy much faster. Buffalo Bill reportedly learned this lesson the hard way after
having to pay for damage to a greenhouse a block and a half away from his performance in Brooklyn in
1883. While the small shot loads used in their smoothbore revolvers and rifles were safer for everyone,
they would not have made the trick shooting feats much easier.
CONDITION: Very good with 20% original blue finish retained in the protected areas, strong original case
colors on the hammer, and a well-worn appearance on the balance with gray and brown patina, patches
of mild pitting, and generally distinct markings. The grips are good with cracks and repairs on the left,
moderate wear, and distinct checkering and embossing. Mechanically functions. This is an incredibly
rare Smith & Wesson smoothbore New Model No. 3 with special sights documented as shipped to “A.
Oakley” in 1895 during her prime years as an exhibition shooter! Definitely a piece of American history!
Estimate: 65,000 - 110,000