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LOT 1092
Outstanding and Unusual Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian
2nd Model Revolver with Ivory Grips - Serial no. 37655,
44 S&W Russian cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, ivory grips.
Manufactured from 1873 to 1878. The Schuyler, Hartley & Graham distributor
marking “SH” within a diamond is stamped on the butt. The barrel rib has the
one-line address/patent dates legend ending in “RUSSIAN MODEL.” The letter “A” is
stamped on the underside of the ejector shroud, suggesting this revolver may have been a
rejected Russian military contract revolver that was sold on the commercial market. This very
unique Russian Model revolver also has a highly unusual and rare five-digit matching assembly number
(“25038”) on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. Most all assembly numbers on these models
were composed of two to four characters; this is the only 5-digit example known to the large majority of the
Smith & Wesson collecting fraternity. The above details are unique features never previously seen by noted
S&W scholars such as David Carroll, Charles Pate, C.B. Wilson, John Wilson, and Roy Jinks.
Fitted with fine antique ivory grips.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original nickel finish with very limited very faint flaking. 97% original case colors
remain on the hammer, and patterns of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with
some minor handling evidence and highly attractive color and grain. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional and rare
nickel 2nd Model Russian perfect
for any S&W collection!
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1091
Scarce Documented U.S. Revenue Cutter Service Smith & Wesson New Model
No. 3 Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 26202, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This revolver was shipped on June 22, 1890,
to Springfield Armory for the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service in its current configuration.
Around 140 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolvers were purchased for the Revenue Cutter Service,
the predecessor of the Coast Guard, between 1890 and 1894. Several of these revolvers are documented as
having been used on the U.S.R.C. Colfax. It has the standard markings and features, including matching
numbers, and falls within the serial numbers and number ranges for the documented R.C.S. revolvers on
page 106 of “The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.” The New Model 3 was the most refined single action revolver manufactured
by Smith & Wesson and was widely used both in the U.S. and abroad by civilians and military personnel. Unlike Colt’s single action
revolvers, Smith & Wesson’s top break design allowed for rapid reloading. It was also very accurate, and the target variations were
especially popular among the best marksmen of the day. Includes a custom made display stand.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish. Most of the fading is on the cylinder and grip frame. The exposed
metal displays gray and brown patina. There is evidence of grinding on the top of the back strap and a portion of the front strap. The
hammer retains half of the original case colors, and the trigger guard has faint traces. The markings are crisp. The grips are very
good and have crisp checkering and minor marks. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 1093
U.S. Smith & Wesson Second Model
Schofield Single Action Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 7331, 45 Schofield
cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured c. 1876 to 1877, this is one of 5,934 Second
Model Schofield revolvers that was produced by Smith &
Wesson for the U.S. military. The included factory letter lists this revolver as part
of a shipment on 11 April 1877 to Springfield Armory. The Schofield revolvers only
remained in U.S. service for a few years before being phased out, though for many of
the revolvers those few years were spent in hard service on the western frontier. The
majority of the revolvers sold by the government as surplus were bought by either Schuyler, Hartley
& Graham or Francis Bannerman, where many of the revolvers were refinished and sold commercially,
many making their way back to the American West, some in the hands of express company agents
such as those employed by the Wells Fargo Express Company. This particular example has the standard
two-line address and patent dates ending with “71” on the left of the ejector housing and the Schofield
patent marking on the right. The butt has the “US” marking on the toe as well as the serial number, with
the matching serial number marked on the rear face of the cylinder, and stamped inside the right grip
panel. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, grooved rib and barrel latch notch rear sight, and a pair
of smooth walnut grips, quite possibly the originals (cartouche no longer visible).
CONDITION: Fine as period retailer refurbished, retaining 95% plus of the nickel plating, 75% of the
blue on the barrel latch components, and 40% of the case colors, primarily on the hammer, with some
scattered specks of light flaking, some light handling marks, and a cylinder turn line. The grips are very
good with moderate wear and some scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent. A U.S. Second Model
Schofield that surely has some frontier tales to tell!
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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