Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 .44 Russian 6 1/2″ SA Top-Break Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,026.00
LSB#: LSB260602CL091
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No. 3
Serial Number: 27604
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1898 / Antique
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Single Action, 6-Shot Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Extraction
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked with the Smith & Wesson Springfield, Massachusetts address and patent-date information. The revolver is serialized “27604”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a notch integral to the top-break latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hardwood. The panels show smoothing to the checkering, scattered scratches, compression marks, and general handling wear. There are no noted chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 80% of its original blue finish. The remaining finish shows operational and handling wear, thinning, scratches, scattered freckling, and areas of finish loss consistent with age and use. Please see the photos for a detailed evaluation of the metal finish.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly .We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the New Model No. 3 in 1878 as the final major development of its famous large-frame No. 3 single-action top-break revolver. The design incorporated automatic extraction when the action was broken open and represented one of the most refined American cartridge revolvers of the late 19th century. Smith & Wesson produced 35,796 standard New Model No. 3 revolvers, with examples sold throughout the United States and exported extensively around the world.
This example is chambered in the classic .44 Russian cartridge and has the desirable standard-length 6 1/2″ barrel. It retains about 80% of its original blue finish, has a bright bore with sharp rifling, and its action functions correctly. The checkered hardwood grips remain in Good condition with age-appropriate smoothing and handling marks. This is an attractive surviving example of one of Smith & Wesson’s most important large-frame single-action revolvers. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.