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Antique SMITH & WESSON Model 3 RUSSIAN 2nd Model JAPANESE CONTRACT Revolver With JAPANESE ARMY Marking on the Barrel Rib!
Guns International #: 101567215 Seller's Inventory #: 201115
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - 38/44 - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1056
Total Number of Listings: 42368
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Antique SMITH & WESSON Model 3 RUSSIAN 2nd Model JAPANESE CONTRACT Revolver
With JAPANESE ARMY Marking on the Barrel Rib!
Here we present an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 3, Second Model Single Action Revolver, made circa 1874-77. Smith & Wesson produced large numbers of the Model 3, in three distinct models, for the Russian Empire by special order. The first was the 1st Model Russian with the Russian Ordnance Inspector mandating a number of improvements to the design, resulting in the 2nd Model Russian, with a final revision to the Russian design being known as the 3rd Model Russian. In 1877, S&W discontinued production of its Model 3 Russian, along with its other Model 3s (The American and The Schofield) in favor a new improved design called the “New Model” Number Three. Smith & Wesson nearly went bankrupt as a result of their Russian contract production, as the imperial government assigned a number of engineers and gunsmiths to reverse-engineer the Smith & Wesson design, and then began to produce copies of the revolver.
Smith & Wesson also supplied these revolvers to the Japanese government. The first of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolvers to be acquired by the Japanese were roughly 5,000 Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd Model revolvers that were purchased from the London based firm of H. Ahrens, who had offices and a warehouse in Yokohama for the purposes of engaging in the Asian trade. These guns were purchased circa 1878 and shipped during the following months in 1878-1879. Examples of these revolvers are known with both Japanese Naval and Army markings. The next group of Japanese military purchased Smith & Wessons were some 1,000 Model 3 Russian 3rd Model revolvers that were again provided by H. Ahrens of Yokohama, and were shipped during 1878.
Smith & Wesson revolvers, then as now, are some of the finest in the world. Excellently machined, well-proportioned and accurate. It is no wonder why so many records of the era were set with this revolver. Notable shooters and owners of the original No. 3 include Buffalo Bill Cody, Ira Anson Paine, F.E. Bennett, Annie Oakley, Frank Butler, General George Custer and Theodore Roosevelt.
The overall condition is near fine. The action is strong and tight. The bore is in good shape for its age. The grips are firm. All markings are clear and legible. “1874” is stamped on the butt. A Japanese Army marking is atop the barrel rib. A must have piece for collection and display!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 7 inches.
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$4450
#201115
SOLD
Antique: Yes