October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Based heavily on the Smith and Wesson Model 3, the Model 320 Revolving Rifle saw a limited run of 977 units. Of those 977, 137 were exported and 840 were retained in the United States. Unfortunately, the revolving cylinder design was found to be less desirable for rifles than it was for pistols as burning powder tended to spray out of the cylinder during operation, which was problematic as one of the shooters hands was directly in the line of the spray. The brass was also uniquely designed, as Smith and Wesson were still using black powder, so a longer piece of brass was used in order to achieve the desired velocity, with the lead bullets sunk into the case. This example, serial number 780, has the red swirled gutta percha fore-arm with the Smith logo. The grips also are adorned with this logo. The small two leaf rear sight is intact but the long range sight is not present. The removable walnut shoulder stock has the original S&W logo buttplate with small repair on toe of stock and tip of butt. Hardware is intact. CONDITION: Forearm and grips are in excellent condition with no visible repairs. The metal shows no original finish and is basically a spotted gray patina. All of the numbers on metal are matching. The bore is sharp and the action is fine. In addition, there is a near full box of ammunition but no lid and a period home made display case. The barrel measures 18" and there is no sign of any front sight which means it had a removable front sight that rode on the rail. (sight is missing). It is accompanied by a S&W letter, indicating that serial number 780 was shipped May 29th, 1894 to Markt & Co of New York before heading on to Hamburg, Germany as part of a shipment of 10 models in identical configuration. It is British proofed, indicating that it passed through Britain at some point. The rarest of all Smith & Wessons. DB
Accessories
Case, box of ammo
Caliber/Bore
.320 Revolving Rifle Cartridge