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LOT 89
Documented Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single
Action Revolver with Shoulder Stock, Custom
Case, and Factory Letter - Serial no. 23378, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter
states the revolver was shipped on January 31, 1886 and delivered to McLean Brothers &
Rigg of New York City with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and nickel finish. A shoulder stock was shipped
for each gun in the shipment; however, the number of guns in the shipment is not listed.
An S&W factory shoulder stock with nickel plated hardware and S&W hard rubber buttplate
is included. Also included is a later production partitioned case that fits both the revolver
and stock. The revolver has the two-line S&W address/patent dates barrel rib legend, has a 1
7/16 inch cylinder, is cut for a shoulder stock, and has matching serial numbers on the butt,
cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. In 1878 S&W introduced the New Model No. 3, and it was an
instant success. Its design drew on handling and mechanical improvements from its popular
predecessors, the American, Russian and Schofield models, and spawned a series of wide
ranging variations, including a target model that dominated target competition in the late 19th century. For many gun historians,
the New Model No. 3 was simply the finest single action revolver design of the 19th century, easily beating out the Colt SAA for the top spot.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% plus original nickel plating with the balance a grey patina, scattered flaking and handling marks. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine with some minor handling marks and some wear along the top of the checkering. Action functions, although needs work as cylinder does not lock properly. The case is fine. A solid example of a stocked S&W New Model No. 3 revolver. Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON (4TH EDITION) BY SUPICA & NAHAS
82
"It is my opinion that the handgun was a special order for one of Stevens' key customers or shooters." - Smith & Wesson Historian, Roy Jinks
LOT 90
Unique Documented J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. Shipped Rare Special Order Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Target Two Barrel/Cylinder Set Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 3730, 38-44 cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Offered here is a rare special order S&W New Model No. 3 target revolver with interchangeable .38-44 and .44 S&W Russian barrels. The 6 1/2 inch barrel is chambered in .38-44 S&W, has rare 1 9/16 inch cylinder, and has the caliber and the one-line S&W address markings. The .44 S&W Russian barrel has been shortened to 3 1/2 inches during its service life, an added blade front sight, and caliber and partial one-line S&W address markings. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver “was specially built for J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and shipped to them on May 25, 1901.” In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks commented, “It is my opinion that the handgun was a special order for one of Stevens’ key customers or shooters.” No other details are provided in the letter. Both barrel assemblies are numbered to the gun as the matching serial number is stamped on each barrel and cylinder. The shared single barrel latch is also numbered to the gun. The revolver along with its second interchangeable barrel is pictured in the “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” (4th edition) on page 120 and where the authors noted the rarity of this set. “At least one NM#3 Target Model is believed to have been special ordered w/ a spare barrel of a different length. At least one is known to have been shipped w/ a spare barrel and cylinder in a different caliber” (page 120). The revolver wears S&W checkered hard rubber grips with the right panel numbered to the gun. Includes a June 1992 dated letter from renowned firearms dealer Norm Flayderman offering this two barrel revolver set for sale. CONDITION: Very fine. The frame retains 80% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The shortened .44 S&W barrel assembly retains 85% original blue finish and the .38-44 S&W barrel assembly retains 70% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 85% original case colors remain on the hammer, and strong patterns of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; The Supica Collection. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500