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Approximately 310 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolvers were produced for the Australian contract, all of which were finished nickel with detachable shoulder stocks and 7 inch barrels
LOT 85
Rare Consecutively Numbered Pair of Australian Contract Smith &
Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver with Holsters, S&W Shoulder
Stocks and Scabbards -A) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver - Serial no. 12895, 44 S&W Russian cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Only approximately 310 Smith & Wesson New Model 3 Australian revolvers were manufactured, all with nickel finish, 7 inch barrels, and detachable shoulder stocks. They were shipped to Australia for the Southern Australian Colonial Police and carried in holster and scabbard on horseback in the wild Australian outback. Offered here is a pair of consecutively numbered Australian contract New Model No. 3s. Each revolver comes with a holster, shoulder stock,
and stock scabbard. Each revolver is marked with the two-line barrel rib marking ending with the reissue patent date, an Australian broad arrow marked on the butt, a June 1954 (“6 54”) factory return date and factory rework star stamped on the grip frame, and matching respective serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Each shoulder stock has nickel plated hardware and a S&W hard rubber buttplate. The stock with gun “A” is numbered to the revolver and stamped with an Australian broad arrow. The stock with gun “B” is unmarked. The other accessories with gun “A” include a leather holster marked with an Australian broad arrow and rack number “7” on the back and a leather stock scabbard marked with an Australian broad arrow and an illegible rack number on the inside. The other accessories with gun “B” include a leather holster marked with an Australian broad arrow and rack number “193” on the inside of the flap and a leather stock scabbard marked with an Australian broad arrow and rack number “144.” CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% plus of the factory reapplied nickel plating showing minimal handling marks. Faint traces of case colors remain on the hammer, and 97% of the case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are fine with minor handling marks and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The stock is missing a wrist screw, retains 98% of the nickel plating and has minor handling marks on the wood. The holster is very good with a few period added stitch-like holes on the flap,
a period added hole in the closure latch and minor flex wear and handling/storage marks. The scabbard is very good with minor flex wear and handling/storage marks. B) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3
Revolver - Serial no. 12896, 44 S&W Russian cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% plus of the factory applied nickel plating showing a few patches of finished over pitting on the cylinder and minimal handling marks. 95% of the case colors remain on the hammer, and 98% plus of the case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are good with a couple cracks (left panel), minor handling marks, and some wear in the checkering. Mechanically excellent. The stock retains 98% of the nickel plating and has some scattered mild handling marks.
The holster and scabbard are very good with minor flex wear and handling/storage marks.
Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
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