Smith & Wesson 3

This is an incredibly unique 3rd Model Russian Revolver. It’s background is also very interesting. The Original Russian revolver looked just like the S&W American, 8 inch barrel standard curved grip. Since it was being produced for the Russian Military, they sought design changes. The first change was to the Russian 2nd Model. the barrel being designed at 6-1/2 inches, and the grips the most dramatic change. More curved, and the spur at the top for the hand web. The 3rd and final design change is what you see here ! the 3rd Model Russian. It has a shortened ejector housing beneath the barrel, the quick way to know the difference between 2nd and 3rd Models. These models all had a Sash Hook on the Trigger Guards.  as does this 3rd Model No.4946X Also, the 1874 stamp in the butt, and the lanyard Ring. This is a Commercial Model, sold in the U.S. and has a nickel finish. They were mostly sold by W.W. Robinson, NY or Hartley and Graham. This 3rd Model, has about 90% of it’s ORIGINAL nickel finish. faded case colors on hammer and Trigger Guard. What makes this a WOW !!!!!!!appearance. It has t he most magnificent Pearl Grip. They are very thick and large. Beyond that, their fiery colors and mello yellow tones show their age as period with the Revolver. Over the years many have asked what about the hook on the Trigger Guard. What was it, there is a simple answer. The Russian Military mostly, like the mounted Cossacks, did not use holsters. Instead they place the revolver in the SASH around their waist.  The hook caught the sash and prevented the revolver from moving or falling. Why it is officially called a sash Hook. Many felt it was great for a second finger when firing the Russian.  This S&W is 100% mechanically correct, on ALL phases, NO mechanical issues here !!

Considering condition and Grips, this is one of the best LOOKING commercially sold 3rd Model you may ever see !

QUITE A UNIQUE S&W 1ST MODEL DOUBLE ACTION , FACTORY ENGRAVED WITH A HIGH PROBABILITY OF THE HAND OF OTTO BODENSTEIN . THIS 19th CENTURY ENGRAVER APPLIED HIS CRAFT FOR SEVERAL MANUFACTURERS, COLT, S&W AND MOST KNOWN FOR HIS MERWIN REVOLVER ENGRAVINGS. THE S&W HAS TRADITIONAL NEW YORK STYLE WITH HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS “PERSONAL”STYLE OF “PUNCH DOT” AND PANEL SCENES. IN THIS CASE, THE DIAGONAL BAND ON EACH FRAME BEHIND THE RECOIL SHIELDS, AND THE SERPENTINE LINES WITH DOTS BELOW THE CYLINDER ON THE FRAME. THE BALANCE BEING TRADITIONAL NEW YORK STYLE OF FLORAL LINE AND SCROLL PATTERNS. THE 1st MODEL HAS THE “FREE FLOATING” GROOVES ON THE CYLINDER WHICH SERVED AS A SAFETY FEATURE TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE, THIS FEATURED DISAPPEARED IN LATER MODELS. APPROXIMATELY 55% OF THE ORIGINAL FACTORY NICKEL PLATING IS PRESENT, THE BALANCE A SOFT GRAY PATINA, ALL ORIGINAL AND UNTOUCHED. MOST OF THE CASE CLOR HARDENING IS STILL ON THE HAMMER, AND THE TRIGGER GUARD HAS DARKENED ORIGINAL BLUE. MECHANICALLY, THE REVOLVER HAS 100% CORRECT WORKING ACTION **** BOTH ON SINGLE AND DOUBLE ACTION FIRING MODES. THIS FIRST MODEL IS HIGHLIGHTED WITH 2 UNIQUE FEATURES: IT HAS THE ORIGINAL MOTHER OF PEARL GRIPS, IN PERFECT CONDITION WITH A WONDERFUFL AGED COLOR ! THE S&W COMES WITH IT’S ORIGINAL HOLSTER….SURELY BECAUSE IT IS FOR A FIVE INCH BARREL 1 THIS S&W SERIAL No. 182x ( A EARLY PRODUCTION REVOLVER) HAS THE FIVE INCH BARREL. THAT WAS AN UNCOMMON LENGTH, AS MOST ALL WERE 5-1/2 OR LONGER.THE HOLSTER IS CARTOUCHED: R. T. FRAZIER, PUEBLO , COLO. A VERY KNOWN AND PRESTEGIOUS MAKER. SO, HERE WE HAVE A COLORADO CARRIED S&W DOUBLE ACTION, AND IT WAS INDEED CARRIED !! SHOWING, YES, IT WAS A POPUALR MODEL ON THE WESTERN FRONTIER OF THE 1880’S.

**Interesting to note, on the reverse side, are the Newspaper Clippings regarding the Court Martial of a Cavalry Officer, and his “physical confrontation” with another Officer.