Ludwig Loewe No. 3 Russian Third Model .44 Russian Revolver, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,501.00
Make: Ludwig Loewe & Co.
Model: Copy of Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model, Commercial Production
Serial Number: 1425
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1880s (Antique)
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Action Type: Single Action Top-Break Revolver with a Six-Round Cylinder and Automatic Ejector
Markings: The barrel’s top rib bears the Ludwig Loewe & Co. Berlin factory address ending in “No. 1425” and a circled “C” inspection mark. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “1425”. The cylinder, frame, and barrel serial numbers match. Arrow marks are present at the front of the barrel/frame hinge.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the barrel latch assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with brass screw escutcheons. They show scattered handling marks, scratches, and compressions, including a longer scrape on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with well-defined rifling and light to mild intermittent oxidation. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its current refinish. The metal shows scattered scratches, edge thinning, handling wear, light patina, and minor oxidation. The cylinder has a turn line. The markings range from clear to faint but remain legible. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as an Antique, though it has been refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is good. The cylinder produces light play on lockup. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson’s large-frame No. 3 revolver inspired a family of military and commercial copies in Europe. Ludwig Loewe & Co. of Berlin produced close copies of the Russian-pattern No. 3, including the Third Model, also known as the New Model Russian. Its distinctive grip profile, trigger-guard spur, top-break action, and automatic ejector make the pattern immediately recognizable. This commercial-production example dates to the 1880s and is chambered in .44 S&W Russian.
This example has matching serial number 1425 on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, a point collectors will appreciate. It wears about 90% of its current blue refinish, has intact wood grips, and has a somewhat bright 6/10 bore with well-defined rifling and intermittent oxidation. The action functions correctly with good timing and light cylinder play on lockup. Please see our photos and good luck!