December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
The culmination of Smith & Wesson's large frame single action revolver design, production of the New Model No. 3 began in 1878. This matched pair numbered 19232 and 19272 are just 40 serial numbers apart. Both revolvers are brilliantly nickel-finished with case hardened hammers and triggers. The 6 - 1/2" ribbed round barrels are marked on the top flat with standard 2-line address stampings as well as on the left sides with well executed engraved "H. Faure Le Page a Paris" retailer markings. Top straps are also very tastefully engraved with stylized "LAC" monograms for their owner, Luis Arrieta Canas. Half moon front sights with u-notch rears. Standard top-break single actions with French-proofed 6-shot fluted cylinders, chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge. Special order finger spur trigger guards. Both revolvers are fitted with 2-piece diamond pattern checkered "S&W" monogramed hard rubber grips. Revolvers are housed in a wonderful black hardwood retailer double case with French fitted purple crushed velvet interior, embossed in gilt letters "FAURE-LEPAGE / 8.RUE DE RICHELIEU / A PARIS" on the underside of the lid. Case lid exterior features an inlaid brass plaque inscribed "Luis Arrieta Canas". Born in 1861 to Mercedes Cañas Calvo and Jose Arrieta Perera, a wealthy diplomat and banker living in Chile, Luis Arrieta Canas traveled to Belgium and France for university education, likely when he acquired this pair of revolvers from Le Page in Paris. After returning to Chile, Canas followed his passion for the arts, becoming a great champion for music and literature. He constructed centers for the arts, making his home at Penalolen one of the great cultural centers of Chile at the dawn of the 20th century. PROVENANCE: Ex. Dr. Gerald Klaz collection. CONDITION: Excellent, remaining in a truly remarkable state of preservation. Bountiful amounts of original nickel plating exhibited throughout, with only minor handling marks and blemishes. Strong case colors are likewise displayed on the hammers and triggers. Grips are excellent. Bores are bright and shiny with strong, well-defined rifling and a few minor cleaned oxidation spots. Fine mechanics. Matching serial numbers observed on the frame, cylinder, barrel, latch, and right grip panel. Case has a split along the lid but remains sturdy with only moderate wear otherwise. Case liner has some fading but still displays exceedingly well. An overall tremendous pair of exceedingly high condition Smith & Wesson revolvers with great history to boot. An excellent addition to even the most sophisticated and advanced collections.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 6 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .44 Russian
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Smith & Wesson
Paperwork
Photograph of Luis Arrieta Canas
Serial Number
(A) 19272 (B) 19232