Description
This is an unusual and rare old Wild West Revolver to find. This is a very nice example of a Smith & Wesson Russian Third Model No. 3 revolver in .44 Russian, identical to the Russian Contract models except for the markings. It also features a very fine set of original factory ivory grips. The S&W Model No. 3 was introduced in 1869 as the U.S. Army’s principal sidearm and used until 1873.
This fine example features the standard 7″ barrel and has a cylinder capacity of 6 shots and functions in single-action only. It features the distinctive “spur trigger guard” unique to the Russian and target models and also has an oblong lanyard ring in the butt. The top of the barrel bears all of the standard S. & W. patent dates up to 1869:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY.10.60. JAN.17 FEB. 17 JULY 11.65 AUG.24.69 RUSSIAN MODEL
While originally designed for the Russians, after they reverse engineered the design Smith & Wesson turned to the commercial market and other governments to sell the revolver. The serial number 34314 is stamped on the flat on the bottom of the grip along with SH in a Diamond. This indicates that this revolver was purchased and subsequently marked by Schuyler Hartley & Graham for retail sale. This marking is considered somewhat rare. The inside of the ivory grips are pencil numbered “341” – likely a factory error as they should be “314.”
This is a Top-break revolver making loading extremely easy and frankly a much better system than the side loading Colts and Mervin & Hulbert revolvers. This was the same model revolver that the famous Lawman Wyatt Earp used in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26th 1881.
The revolver functions a bit slugglishly and likely needs a good cleaning and tune. At times the cylinder will rotate properly and lockup and has a smooth, crisp action but it also hangs up completely, not allowing the hammer to hold at full cock. There isn’t any slop in the mechanics but it can be finicky at times. The revolver breaks open correctly and has a functional case ejector and can be broken down correctly. The bore of the barrel is dirty but has clear rifling with some very minor areas of light oxidation. The grips are in fantastic shape with a lovely worn age patina appearance with no serious chips or cracks and they fit the revolver perfectly.
This fine single-action, cartridge-firing, top-break revolver was produced by Smith & Wesson from circa 1870 to 1915.
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: c. 1870
Caliber: .44 Russian
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
