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Smith and Wesson Number 3 New Model Russian Revolver
Guns International #: 100645319 Seller's Inventory #: 9409
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 36
Total Number of Listings: 580
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
This is a strong example of the final variation of the Model 3 Russian Revolver 3rd Model in caliber .44 S&W Russian (variant) or as some term it, the "New Model Russian". This particular example is one of the commercially-sold Russian Model revolvers chambered in .44 S&W Russian with 6-1/2" barrel, nickel-plated finish, and a pair of original factory-installed ivory grips. It has all matching serial numbers and sub-assembly numbers. Historically speaking, while synonymous with the Russian military which ordered this model in significant quantities, several thousand were actually sold here in the United States at the height of Westward expansion in the mid-1870's. These commercial Russians competed directly with Colt Single Action Army Revolvers and were carried by several legendary gunmen during the era of American Wild West.
Funneling this down to strictly Russian Models, here is the breakdown. Basically, Model 3 (frame size) Russian (caliber) First Model (variation). These First Models look a lot like the American Model and they are often referred to as Old Old Model Russians. The Second Models are termed Old Model Russians. Thus, the 3rd Issue is nicknamed the "New Model Russian". This all kind of makes sense as long as I leave out the New Model Number 3 which is a whole different gun entirely.
As you will note in the photos, thos Model 3 Russian, 3rd Model (New Model ) as well as its predecessor, the 2nd Model Russian (Old Model), both possessed a very distinctive feature which differentiate them from all other S&W's in the form of a large extended spur beneath the trigger guard. There are several theories as to the purpose of this unique appendage from steadying the aim, to aid a soldier or cossack hooking the weapon into his belt sash, to serving as a rest for the trigger finger. Whatever the reason, it originated from somewhere within the 19th century Imperial Russian military and the look is unmistakable to all other S&W's.
Excluding copies made by Ludwig Loewe, Berlin Germany and the Imperial Russian arsenal at Tulski, the Smith and Wesson factory produced 60,638 units from 1874-1878. Of that number, 41,000+ went to Russia, 5,000 to Turkey, 1,000 to Japan, and 13,500 were sold on the commercial market. Most commercial 3rd Variation Russian Revolvers are found in either the 39,000-52,500 range or the separate 1-9,000 range which are marked "REISSUE" instead of RUSSIAN MODEL" on the barrels. This one is marked "RUSSIAN MODEL" Its serial number is towards the middle commercial serial run in the 44,900 range and it's in good company as it's not far from James Gang outlaw Charlie Pitts (IRL "Samuel Wells) who owned a S&W No. 3 Russian 3rd Model SN# 40,369. Like Jesse James, Pitts was exposed to the horrors of the Civil War at a very young age which he could never escape. At 28, he died of wounds suffered in the Northfield, MN bank robbery in Sept. 1876. Another James Gang member, Jim Younger, who was badly wounded but captured following the raid was also carrying a S&W in .44 Russian Caliber. Sheriff Pat Garrett also owned a S&W Russian, SN# 1,096, which would have been from the 1-9,000 REISSUE range. See page 62, Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, 1996.
Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Excellent with 95% original nickel plating overall. Case colors on trigger guard and hammer have subsided to a silvery gray with mottled shadows of faded color in protected areas. Screws and pins are fine to excellent. Barrel to frame is tight. Mechanics are Excellent and the bore is MINT...bright and shiny with perfect lands and grooves. It appears the original owner made a minor change in the curvature to the rear face of the front sight. See photos. This was carefully and thoughtfully done as it was most likely in order reduce glare from the sun. Early style S&W assembly numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and frame are all matching. The ivory grips are in Fine+ to Excellent Condition with no cracks or chips and have aged nicely with some age checking to the bases. See photos. These are factory original as they fit perfectly and are numbered in pencil to the serial number on the bottom of the frame. Note the rust stains on the inside of the grips match the spots along the insides of the iron grip frame. The use of a pencil to apply is significant as Smith and Wesson usually applied the serial numbers to ivory using this method rather than risking damage by die-stamping them as was their practice on wooden grips. Over the years, we've seen several Model One, 1st and 2nd Issues that date to the Civil War that were numbered in pencil just like this example.The markings are excellent with a strong Smith and Wesson barrel address which is marked "RUSSIAN MODEL". One of the best examples of the Model 3 Russian we've offered.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: S&W
Model: Number 3, Third Model Russian Revolver
Caliber Info: .44 S&W Russian