Guns International #: 101591597
Seller's Inventory #: 201638

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers
Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique

Early SMITH & WESSON New Model No. 3 FRONTIER .44-40 SINGLE ACTION Revolver THREE DIGIT Serial Numbered Single Action .44-40 WCF!

Description:
Early SMITH & WESSON New Model No. 3 FRONTIER .44-40 SINGLE ACTION Revolver

THREE DIGIT Serial Numbered Single Action .44-40 WCF!

Here we present an antique Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier .44-40 Single Action Revolver manufactured circa 1885 with a production run between 1885 and 1912. This revolver is very interesting in that all frames for this model were made by 1898 (even though production was from 1885-1912) therefore allowing this model revolver as a whole to be classified as an antique by ATF standards. When Smith & Wesson began making centerfire top break revolvers in 1870, they named the large framed .44 Model the “No. 3”. This was followed by the .38 caliber Model No. 2 in 1876 and the .32 caliber Model No. 1 ½ in 1878, based on frame sizes, not date of manufacture. All were first made in single action, and later double action models were added. The No. 3 was made in American, Russian, Schofield and New Model single action sub-models as well as Double Action sub-models. In 1877, S&W discontinued production of its other Model 3s such as the American, Russian, and Schofield in favor a new improved design called the “New Model” Number Three. This new model has a longer cylinder allowing it to fire longer cartridges. Standard chambering was the .44 Russian, although other calibers were offered on special order such as this one. 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.

This Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier Single Action Revolver was first introduced in 1885 and is chambered in .44-40 W.C.F. Its serial number is a very early “263” and was likely made in 1885. This is very nice find for the collectors of Smith & Wesson and other early American revolvers. There were only 2072 of the Frontier Single Action variants made, and a few of these were converted to .44 S&W Russian, making this variant even more collectable.

The overall condition is fine. This piece has the star marking of the Smith & Wesson factory that expertly refinished this piece. The action is strong and tight. The bore is bright with nice rifling. Both grips are firm. The numbers match. This is a svelte revolver that was a great alternative to the Colt Single Action Army and it would have gone very nicely with a Winchester 1873 or 1892 rifle in the same caliber!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 6-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester Center Fire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$4725

#201638
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes