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LOT 1104
Documented, Engraved Special Order Smith & Wesson No. 3 American First Model Single Action Revolver Chambered in .44 Russian with Pearl Grips
- Serial no. 3079, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. This American is a First Model chambered in .44 Russian caliber, one of
a small few found in the 2600-3100 serial number range that were apparently
the first commercial sale examples known produced in this caliber, pre-dating the “Russian Model” barrel roll
marks. The lack of a hammer interlock lip and the presence of a flat bottom frame at the rear pin and a German
silver blade front sight are the distinctive features of a No. 3 American 1st Model. Introduced circa 1870, standard chambering for the No. 3
American was in .44 American with around 200 manufactured in .44 Rimfire Henry, and the standard barrel length was 8 inches. The barrel length
on this revolver was professionally shortened just slightly over one and a half inches. The first Russian Model began as a variant of the American
chambered in .44 Russian. The early .44 Russian chambering alone makes this American even rarer than those chambered in .44 Rimfire Henry. As an
extreme rarity in S&W collecting, this revolver has enjoyed coverage in prominent S&W related publications: Dean Boorman’s “The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms”
on page 106 (caliber and barrel length are incorrectly listed as .44 S&W American and 6 inches respectively), Michael Kennelly’s “Smith & Wesson Engraving” on page 63,
and Supica and Nahas’“Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” on page 40. Experts agree the engraving was by Gustave Young, noting the style of engraving, especially the
use Young’s “donut” motif, as their evidence. The scroll engraving on a punch dot background covers 90% of the surface. The barrel rib has the American Model one-line
address/patent dates legend correctly lacking the “RUSSIAN MODEL” marking, which was not yet in use. The grips could not be removed; otherwise, matching assembly number “4” is confirmed on the cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The revolver wears a set of plain pearl grips.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 85% nickel plating, and the frame retains 60% original nickel with the cylinder a balance of a mixture of gray and dark patinas. The engraving is crisp overall. The grips are also fine with a couple chips. Mechanically excellent. This highly engraved special order S&W No. 3 American First Model Revolver chambered in .44 Russian certainly makes for a fine unusual addition to even the most advanced S&W collections.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 6,500
LOT 1105
Historic Smith & Wesson No. 3 Third Model Russian Single Action Revolver with Spanish-American War Veteran Colonel D.B. Case Inscription and Factory Letter - Serial no. 48506, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and smooth walnut grips when shipped on August 5, 1877, and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City. The left side of the ejector housing is engraved “Col D. B. Case/4th Pa.” A period retailer or jeweler performed the inscription. As a member of the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel David Brainard Case was among several thousand state militia soldiers called on by the Pennsylvania governor to restore law and order to a violent labor dispute in Homestead in 1892. Known as the Homestead Steel Strike as well as the “Homestead Massacre” and “Battle of Homestead”, the labor dispute was a defining moment in U.S. labor history as the incident dealt a major blow in the movement to unionize steel works. Colonel Case went on to fight in the Puerto Rico campaign during the Spanish- American War (1898). The barrel rib legend ends with “RUSSIAN MODEL.” The barrel, cylinder and barrel latch feature the mismatched serial number “38303.” CONDITION: Good as assembled (see above), retaining 60% original nickel plating with a smooth dark patina on the balance. The grips are also good with a series of dings on the bottom. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Supica Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 3,750
LOT 1106
U.S. Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 3692, 45 S&W cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured for the U.S. military circa 1876-77 with a total production approximately 5,934. U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector stamps “W” and “P” are on the rear of the cylinder and underside of the barrel lug. “US” is stamped on the butt. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, right grip panel, and cylinder. Period retailer applied nickel plating, possibly ordered by a military officer or quite simply rejected by ordnance and sold by the factory on the commercial market. Many Schofield revolvers were issued to the 4th Cavalry which saw service in the “Geronimo Campaign” and the famous 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry comprised of the “Buffalo Soldiers” stationed in the American Southwest. People such as the James Brothers, Cole Younger, U.S. Marshall Bill Tilghman and the Chief Scout for Custer, “Lonesome Charley” Reynolds were known to carry Schofield revolvers. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% period retailer applied nickel plating with light flaking and high edge wear on the balance. Slight traces of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. Some original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are fine with a couple tiny chips at the toes and minor dings and scratches mostly on the bottoms. Front sight blade replaced. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a U.S. S&W Second Model Schofield Revolver.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500 99