December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Smith & Wesson manufactured only 977 Model 320 revolving rifles between 1879 and 1887, with just 224 made with 20" barrels. This high polish blue finished example is fit with a rare 20" round barrel marked on the full-length rib with 2-line address and mounted with replacement German silver half moon front sight and slip up v-notch rear sight. An original tang-mounted aperture sight is also included. Standard round butt New Model No. 3 action with 6-shot fluted cylinder chambered in the proprietary .320 S&W rifle cartridge with case hardened hammer and trigger guard. 2-piece checkered and "S&W" monogrammed hard rubber grips are richly colored with marbled red and black. Checkered and monogrammed mottled bright red and black forend. Correct Circassian walnut detachable stock with polish blued mount and monogrammed hard rubber butt plate. Housed in a correct felt lined and partitioned case with brass corner protectors and leather handle. CONDITION: Very fine. Majority of the factory-applied blue is retained on barrel and frame with some toning to brown patina. Cylinder has turned to brown patina. Traces of case color present on hammer. Hard rubber components are very fine, with a crack present on the right grip. Stock is excellent with some light marks, retaining portions of thinning blue on mount. Fine bright bore showing sharp rifling and a few pits. Fine mechanics. Case shows wear with some material loss on the right end. Straps are present but missing the last few inches.
Item Dimensions: 27 x 7 x 3"
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson