SMITH & WESSON New Model 3
Pair of
Smith & Wesson revolvers (two different models with the SAME SERIAL NUMBER :
1225)with lots of history!!
The first
is a 44 Double Action First Model 44 Russian 5 inch barrel nickel finish.
The stag
grips were not lettered but they look as old as the gun.
The
finish is all original. Other than a little flaking on backstrap, it is in
excellent condition and very tight. I think it spent most of it's life in a
drawer.
It
belonged to 1880's labor union leader Martin Irons who led the "Great 1886
Southwest Railroad Strike" and it was passed down through his family.
You can
find a lot of information on Martin Irons on the internet.
The
second gun is from Hank Williams Jr. collection. It is a New Model No. 3 44
Russian single action 6 1/2 inch barrel. As stated in the factory letter, M. W.
Robinson, New York would have handled the special order engraving and ivory
grips. The gun is very tight and above average bore.
Smith&Wesson .44 Single Action
The last
of the single action topbreaks series. Users and collectors generally call this
model the New Model n°3 instead of using the unpopular "44 Single Action" given
by the factory. It is the most sought after S&W revolver.
35,796
were made between 1878 and 1912; the model comes immediately after the Schofield
and the Russian contracts. The model was redesigned by Bullard and destined to a
broader market after the Russian contracts had come to an end. Although referred
to as having been produced until 1912, recent research has established that all
frames were made prior to 1898.
Standard
caliber is the .44 Russian, but the gun has been issued in limited quantities in
various other calibers, ranging from the .32 up to the .455, through the .44
Henry and various European calibers. Available barrel lengths from 3 1/2" up to
8".
The
weapon embodies various improvements required by the Russians on earlier models,
such as the round grip, the less pronounced saw handle design to the grip,
rebounding hammer and notch in the hammer head, which secures the frame and
prevents any undesired opening when the gun is fired.
The model was exported worldwide, also to Europe, and
American collectors now offer premiums for specimens bearing Birmingham, London,
Liège, St Etienne or Eibar proofmarks. There are many variations, such as the
Turkish model, the Japanese Navy and Artillery models, the Australian and
Argentinian models, and the rare State of Maryland model (only 280 made),
the Frontier model and the Coast Guard model.
Marcel
SMITH & WESSON New Model 3
Smith & Wesson New Model 3 Target in calibre 38/44.
Made in 1888.
