April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
It is well known that Russia requested numerous changes from S&W during the development of the No. 3, even going so far as to rechambering the gun, to secure the contract. Present example appears to be a prototype gun that utilized a birdshead grip instead of the later knuckle in order to help control recoil better. Butt is marked with a Cyrillic "1" (during the production of the Russian contracts, S&W restarted at "1" for each new contract; it stands to reason that the a test gun would also be marked "1"). Matching "R" proofs on frame, rear of cylinder, inside of latch, with additional circled "D" proof on rear of cylinder and a "P" proof on left side of top strap. Top rib with correct Cyrillic legends. Conversion to a birdshead grip was achieved via an expert cut at the front of the frame, bending the frame, and then expert repair; conversion is nearly invisible and was almost assuredly performed at the factory. Case colored hammer and trigger guard, blued barrel and frame, smooth walnut birdshead grips. Non-rotatable lanyard loop. Pinned half moon front sight, notch rear sight. CONDITION: Barrel retains approximately 30% of the factory bluing, with flaking to an dove grey with areas of light brown patina. Cylinder with losses to high edges and a turn line, but much bluing retained in flutes. Frame retains virtually all of the bluing with some areas of handling marks and spots of flaking, mostly on towards rear. Grips are excellent with a few minor impressions. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent with strong rifling and light frosting. A very interesting example.