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LOT 1083
Cased Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 .32-44 Single Action Target Revolver Documented to Decorated Second Boer War and World War I Brigadier General Roland Charles Haig - Serial no. 514, 32-44 cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The New Model 3 dominated target competitions in the late 1800s and are found in the serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, 2,930 were chambered in .32-44 caliber. These revolvers were introduced in 1887. The revolver features target sights, two-line barrel rib legend ending with the re-issue patent date, and matching three digit serial number “514” on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. “A 403” is finely engraved on the front strap. The British style oak case has an interesting handwritten “Directions for use” on the interior of the lid and the name “C.E. Haig” inscribed on the brass lid disk. Includes a box of UMC .32-44 cartridges. The accompanying letter of provenance on Michael Miller letterhead states that the revolver belonged to Charles Edwin Haig (1849-1917) who “in turn gave it to his son R.C. Haig when he received his commission in the 16th Lancers in 1894. He served in the South African Wars and received the Queens Medal and four clasps [Cape Colony, Orange River Colony, Johannesburg, and Diamond Hill]. During the Great War 1914-1918 he was mentioned in dispatches five times. Received the Distinguished Service Order in 1915...He received that
bar to the DSO in 1917 and a second in 1918. In 1917 he was made a brigadier general.” The letter erroneously states General Roland Charles Haig was killed in action in 1942. During the Third Battle of the Aisne on May 27, 1918, General Haig’s headquarters was heavily gassed and overrun by a German attack. Haig managed to escape, but his injuries from the gas attack forced him to resign his command. He retired from the army in 1923, became an avid golfer, and died at the age of 80 in 1953.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% original nickel plating with scattered flaking and smooth gray patina on the balance. 50% of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a few stress cracks on the exterior, minor handling/storage marks, and typical high spot wear on the lining. An interesting S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver documented to a
decorated British general.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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