April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
In identical configuration with 6 - 1/2" solid ribbed barrels with single line Smith and Wesson address and patent information including the reissue marking (done for the benefit of Turkey and Japan who ordered many of the guns and did not want the word "Russian" on their guns), spurred trigger guards, smooth ivory grips, full radius half-moon front sight with U-notch rear, and well-executed hand-cut engraving done in the L.D. Nimschke / New York style with extensive acanthus scroll on a punch dot ground, crosshatching, geometrics, and floral motifs. Both revolvers have their own set of matching numbers observed on butt, rear of cylinder, on barrel underneath latch, and on latch itself. Barrel has approximately half converge of engraving, primarily consisting of acanthus scroll on barrel, geometrics and acanthus on lug with partial punch dot engraving; latch engraved in a crosshatch pattern with central dotting, top with a shell motif and crosshatching. Frame engraved in Acanthus scroll on a punch dot background with simple lined borders, geometrics under the cylinder and sides of hammer, and a floral motif around hinge pin. Backstrap with simple geometrics. Smooth ivory grips fixed by single screw set through escutcheon. Non-rotatable lanyard loop on butt, which is also marked with "1874" in a lozenge. Revolvers are housed in a period dealer blue lined French fitted case for both revolvers and slots for 50 cartridges (1 missing). Cartridges have been gilded to increase eye appeal. Both revolvers are accompanied by a Smith and Wesson letter signed by Roy Jinks that identifies them by serial number as Model 3 Russian Third Models, Reissue Variation, and shipped to M.W. Robinson, March 9th and March 23rd, 1877, in shipments of 20. The letter remarks that they were shipped with 6 - 1/2" barrels, nickel finish, and smooth walnut grips; Roy Jinks notes that the engraving, grips, and case were possibly done by Robinson as a special order. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining virtually all of their nickel finish with some minor marks from handling and storage. Nickel has some minor dotted losses, clouding, and bubbling visible throughout, but majority of loss is on gun "B" trigger guard. Engraving is crisp and attractive on both revolvers. Grips are excellent with some minor marks from handling and storage with a mellow patina and strong grain. Actions work appropriately and crisply when operated by hand, bores are excellent with some minor old oxidation in a few spots. Cartridges are very good, with heads heavily coated in hardened verdigris, and lining with impressions from guns and some staining; one minor tear under where cylinder of gun "B" rests. PROVENANCE: Dr. Gerald Klaz. This is an exceptional set of guns with provenance to one of the best collections of its kind. EW
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 6 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .44 Russian
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Smith & Wesson
Model
(BOTH) Number 3 Russian
Paperwork
(BOTH) Factory Letter
Serial Number
(A) 1796 (B) 1433