AUSTRALIAN COLONIAL POLICE, 1881, with EXCELLENT PROVENANCE NEW MODEL No.3 SMITH & WESSON .44R

This is a very historical and RARE revolver, with Previous Owner Provenance and S&W Factory Letter. This New Model No.3 is chambered in .44 Russian caliber, and was ONLY ONE of 30 shipped. On December 14, 1881 the S&W company fulfilled an order of 280. units for the Australian Government. This order consisted of 250 Revolvers with a 7 inch barrel, and cut for stock at the factory, along with detachable stocks. ONLY 30 revolvers with the 6-1/2 inch barrel, NOT cut for stock in .44 Russian. The shipping to Australia was interesting, ON December 14, 1881 S&W delivered the shipment to M.W. Robinson, NY. In turn, they delivered the shipment to Winchester Repeating Arms, then along with some Winchester rifles shipped the order to Australia. Further details: all the 7 inch revolvers found will have the British Broad Arrow marking, BUT not the 6-1/2 inch revolvers. They went to Australian Colonial Police, in Western Australia. This revolver, New Model No. 3, Serial No. 524X was previously owned by Dr. Lloyd Hudson, the Dean of S&W collectors, and he along with Douglas Carlson are in agreement as to the “life” of this S&W. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY 30 ever shipped !!!
We know it went to Australia in 1881, how did it come back to the U.S.? In 1953, a business man and enthusiast named Carlos Mason, bought them from Australia and returned them to the U.S. However only 197 of the 7 inch cut for stock, and 21 of the 6-1/2 inch came back. SO !for collectors to find the 6-1/2 inch model is a genuine miracle and rarity !!! A further bonus is the fact it come with it’s ORIGINAL Australian Police Holster. The holster was attached to the saddle, unlike here in the U.S. the Aussies carried it on the saddle, not around their waist. Regarding the No.3 revolver: considering it was issued and rode many ! miles through the out back and bush of Australia it remains in remarkable condition. It has about 75-80% of the original factory nickel finish, only with wear at the top of the grip where the fingers tended to rest when holding. The hammer has ALL it’s case color, and the trigger guard has all, but faded. Mechanically: It is 100% ON ALL working actions. Breaking Open, Loading, Indexing, cylinder rotation, cocking and locking tight for firing. THERE ARE NO mechanical problems. The holster remains supple and obviously fits the No.3 perfectly. Also, letters from 3 highly respected dealers extolling the virtues of this revolver are included. This revolver extolls the slogan of S&W, ” we sell the world”. What a great piece to add to a collection. Remember during this period, Australia was like our “wild west” with their own set of bush rangers, a.k.a. outlaws. Ben Hall, Ned Kelly, ” Mad Dog” Morgan, always being chased by Colonial police, and carrying S&W new Model No.3’s, probably this one !!!