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LOT 3075
Parisian Retailer Marked Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 21843, 44 S&W Russian cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. The barrel has
the Parisian retailer marking “Fnx pax Gastinne Renette” stamped upside down on the left side and “Paris” on the right side. The dovetail blade front sight and “U” notch rear sight on the top strap are period additions to meet the demands of the day. The revolver is cut for a non-factory shoulder stock (stock not included) and has been re-chambered
in .44 S&W Russian, a more period popular caliber than the original .44 S&W American chambering. As S&W historian Roy Jinks noted in the accompanying factory letter, “I would agree that the hole in the top of the back strap could be for a shoulder stock. Gastinne Renette employed some of the best gunsmiths in France and they could do all types of work, including re-chambering to .44 S&W Russian caliber.” The sights were also likely added by a gunsmith employed by Renette. The
factory letter confirms the revolver was shipped on June 27, 1873 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City with
an 8 inch barrel, nickel finish, and smooth walnut stocks. The revolver has the one-line S&W address/patent dates barrel rib marking,
matching assembly numbers on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch, and right grip panel numbered to gun.
CONDITION: Fine, displaying authentic use and wear, retaining 80% original nickel plating with the exposed balance a dark grey patina with scattered
light pitting. The well worn and used grips are good with the left panel displaying a couple indentations, presumably from the stock. Action needs work
as cylinder does not lock properly and there is no half cock notch. An interesting Parisian retailer marked and modified S&W No 3 American 2nd Model Revolver. Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3076
Parisian Retailer
Marked Smith &
Wesson New Model
No. 3 Single Action Revolver with Scarce Shoulder Stock and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 12632, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter
states this revolver was shipped on May 22, 1880 and delivered to Dale & Gale Schoverling of New York City. No other details
are provided. The right side of the barrel has the Parisian retailer marking “HOULLER BLANCHARD.” The barrel rib has the two-line
S&W address/patent dates marking. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel latch, and barrel. The revolver is cut for a shoulder stock, and comes with a period correct and proper,
scarce shoulder stock featuring nickel plated attaching hardware and hard rubber S&W buttplate. The period correct stock box is also included.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% original nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. The well worn grips are good. Mechanically excellent. The stock box
is very good with a few tape repaired corners and a partial end label. The stock is very fine with 90% original nickel plating with some scratches, light specks of pitting on exposed areas, and some minor handling marks on the wood. A Parisian retailer marked S&W New Model No. 3 revolver accompanied with a scarce shoulder stock and stock box.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,500
LOT 3077
Parisian Retailer Marked Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver Cut
for an Unusual Shoulder Stock with Factory Letter - Serial no. 26183, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The left side of the barrel has the Parisian retailer marking “Fni pax Gastinne Renette a Paris.” The revolver is cut for an unusual shoulder stock.
A rectangular slot at the top of the back strap opens to a spring loaded lock which is activated by a push button on top of the back strap knuckle. Stock not included. This modification was performed by a talented professional outside the S&W factory. As S&W Roy Jinks noted in the accompanying
factory letter, “It is my opinion after examining this revolver that the modification for a shoulder stock was completed in the shop of Gastine Renette of Paris,
France. The workmanship is excellent and different from any I have seen before.” The factory letter confirms the revolver was shipped on March 15, 1890 and delivered
to von Lengerke & Antoine with locations in Chicago, Illinois and Paris, France. The revolver has target sights, the two-line S&W address/patent dates barrel rib marking, mismatched barrel latch (“26362”), and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder and barrel.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% plus original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The grips are very good with some minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Action functions, but needs work as cylinder does not lock properly.
A very interesting Parisian retailer marked S&W New Model No. 3 revolver cut for a very
unusual shoulder stock.
Provenance: The Supica Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,750
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