Cased Pair of Early Production Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolvers with Extra Barrel 32-44 S&W

Description:

An exceptional c. 1887 cased pair of Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolvers, likely ordered together in matching configuration by a serious period target shooter or discerning traveler. With scarce .32-44 S&W Target chambering, early serial numbers, matching features, and a fitted hardwood case with an extra barrel, this is a highly desirable collector-grade set with strong historical and investment appeal.

• Manufactured circa 1887, shortly after the introduction of the New Model No. 3 Target
• Outstanding cased pair of Smith & Wesson revolvers with the appearance of having been ordered together in the same configuration
• Likely ordered by a competition target shooter of the period, based on the matched configuration and target-focused features
• Chambered in scarce .32-44 S&W Target
• According to Supica and Nahas in Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson:
  • Only 4,333 New Model No. 3 revolvers were produced
  • Only 2,930 were chambered in .32-44 S&W Target, as with these examples
• Historically popular among target shooters, due in part to famous competition shooters such as Walter Winans favoring the model
• Considered by many to be especially well suited for precise competition shooting, arguably even more so than Colt’s competing Bisley Model
• Like the Colt Bisley, the Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target was also a highly prized sidearm in the American West
• Evokes strong Old West appeal—equally fitting as a target shooter’s prized competition set or as a cased defensive pair for a wealthy traveler, much like earlier “coach pistols”
• Both revolvers are marked on top of the barrel rib with the standard two-line Smith & Wesson address and patent dates
• “A” revolver:
  • Serial number 5
  • Matching serial number appears on the butt
  • Matching serial number appears on the rear face of the cylinder
  • Matching serial number is hand-scratched inside the right grip panel
  • Matching serial number appears on the rear face of the barrel lugs
  • Barrel latch is numbered “3”
  • Very faint partial marking on top of the barrel rib, just over the breech, appears to have been “UG”
• “B” revolver:
  • Serial number 193
  • Matching serial number appears on the butt
  • Matching serial number appears on the rear face of the cylinder, slightly double-stamped
  • Matching serial number appears on the rear face of the barrel lugs
  • Matching serial number appears on the cylinder latch
  • Cylinder latch has the “9” stamped over and slightly above a “1”
• All numbers on both revolvers appear to be factory stamped, suggesting the strong possibility that both revolvers left the Smith & Wesson factory in this configuration
• Both revolvers appear to have been ordered by a customer who wanted the New Model No. 3 Target variation but preferred fixed rear sights
• The factory appears to have fitted fixed rear sights, likely using parts already available at Smith & Wesson
• Both revolvers have matching sight setups:
  • Pinned, veined blade front sight
  • German silver bead
  • Fixed notch rear sight, the style typically seen on standard New Model No. 3 revolvers
• Includes an extra .32 caliber barrel:
  • Unnumbered
  • Otherwise bears standard markings
  • Fitted with a slightly different target-style blade front sight
  • Equipped with the typical Target adjustable notch rear sight
• Both revolvers are fitted with checkered hard rubber grips
• Grips feature Smith & Wesson monograms at the tops
• Includes an attractive hardwood case:
  • Blank brass escutcheon on the lid
  • Removable upper tray fitted for both revolvers
  • Storage area beneath the tray
  • Extra barrel stored in the lower compartment
• A remarkable and visually compelling Smith & Wesson set with rarity, early production appeal, desirable target-shooting associations, Old West character, and the added collector value of a fitted case and extra barrel
• Overall, this is an incredible matched pair with every appearance of having been specially ordered and used by a discerning competition shooter or a wealthy traveler concerned with personal protection

Condition

A) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver Serial Number 5
Very fine, retains 97% plus of the factory replated nickel finish and 95% of the vibrant original case colors with some scattered light handling marks, a small speck of flaking on the left of the barrel, and some light frosting. The grips are fine showing an attractively aged chocolate tone with some mild wear, light handling marks, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel is very fine overall. The case is fine with some scattered mild handling/storage evidence.

B) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver
Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original nickel finish and 70% of the original case colors, most vibrant on the hammer, with some scattered light handling marks and light cylinder turn lines. The grips are very fine showing an attractive chocolate brown tone with a few very light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting cased pair of early production Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolvers and an extra barrel!

Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No 3
Serial Number: 5 & 193
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Condition: The bore is partially bright with some light surface pitting and distinct rifling.

Price: $12,500.00