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RARE S&W NEW MODEL No. 3 .38-40 SERIES, ONLY 74 MADE AND NUMBERED IN ITS OWN SERIAL RANGE 1-74; THIS IS #5X
Guns International #: 102433048 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Model 3 - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: goodmanguns
Company: William T. Goodman
Member Since: 10/16/15
First Name: William
Last Name: Goodman
State: Montana
Zip: 59715
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 587-3131
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 53
Total Number of Listings: 3274
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order
Description:
THE RAREST S&W I'VE EVER OFFERED! NEW MODEL No. 3 SPECIAL .38-40 SERIES, ONLY 74 MADE AND NUMBERED IN ITS OWN SERIAL RANGE 1-74; THIS IS #5X!!! Obviously, these are seldom ever seen and even the most advanced S&W collection lacks an example. While all New Model No. 3 frames were made pre-1899 making all New model No. 3s antique, the .38-40 Model was produced only from 1900-1907. They were offered in 4" and 6 1/2" with a few in 5" in both blue and nickel finish. This example is a 6 1/2" nickel revolver with matching numbers on the frame, cylinder and barrel (for some reason the barrel latch number is in the 27XXX standard production range which is minor). The butt has three initials "R A B" scratched in the nickel and when the grips are removed these same initials are scratched inside the grip straps- only visible with the grips removed, and also inside the grips themselves. This marking on the inside of revolvers was fairly common so that if the revolver was ever stolen, removing the grips would reveal the true owner. This is an attractive example as where the nickel is flaked, the metal underneath has remained an uncleaned gray/silver which blends evenly with the nickel giving a smooth even appearance. Fine nickel remains in all the protected areas, on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger guard, on the lower rear of the barrel assembly and forward portion of the barrel bottom, in the cylinder flutes, on the top strap and much of the barrel rib and upper portion of the barrel, around the hammer on the frame and recoil shields etc. The front sight has not been altered, the left side of the barrel is correctly (and importantly) stamped "38 WINCHESTER CTG." The grips show light wear, but are not chipped or cracked. They fit perfectly and I have little doubt that they are original. The action is good and the cylinder locks tightly at full cock, the ejector mech. works properly and the bore is bright with sharp rifling and any roughness is very minor, light and scattered. All markings are fine. Quoting the most accepted work on S&W, THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH AND WESSON, 4TH EDITION by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas (latest edition, published in 2016 and now 5-6 years old), "One of the rarest production models. Serial number range 1 to 74, with the 74 firearms manufactured circa 1900-1907. Value: Too rare to price. Most specimens would probably change hands in the four- to low five figure range. A very few sales noted over the last five years, with two refinished examples selling at $3,700 and $4,600, and two VG to fine examples at $8,000 and $9,200. I don't expect to ever offer another or perhaps even see another of these. A very respectable example.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (.38 WCF)
Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: NEW MODEL No. 3 .38-40
Serial Number: 5X
Barrel Length: 6 1/2
Condition: VG+
Bore Condition: FINE+