GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER SMITH & WESSON NEW MODEL NO. 3 TARGET SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH FACTORY LETTER.SMITH & WESSONNEW MODEL #3 TARGET3345344 RUSSIANCal. 44 Russian. Blue finish with 6-1/2" keyhole shaped bbl, target front sight on the rib and adjustable target rear sight in the top strap/bbl latch. The trigger is full checkered and it is mounted with a 3rd Model Russian trigger guard with finger rest. Grip frame is mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips that have a crude carved "B" on the right side. Hammer and trigger guard are color case hardened. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter over the signature of Roy Jinks, Smith & Wesson historian, which states that this revolver was shipped April 25, 1902 to M. R. Robinson (a major Smith & Wesson distributor in New York). No other information is included in the letter, although Mr. Jinks does state that while the checkered trigger and Russian trigger guard are not mentioned in the records "they are probably factory original". Special order target models of this series are quite scarce, especially in high condition. PROVENANCE: The collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching except grips which are un-numbered. Overall retains about 96-98% strong orig factory blue with only some light flaking in a few spots on the bbl and bbl lug and slight muzzle end wear. Cylinder shows sharp edge wear with strong bright blue mixed with light flaking over most of the outer diameter, crisp and strong in the flutes. Hammer retains bright case colors on the sides fading to grey on the top edge. Trigger guard retains faded case colors in shaded areas, mostly faded to a grey patina. Grips are sound showing faint diamond point wear and retain most of their orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 52328-31 JRL (5,000-7,500)