Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 SA 6.5″ Nickel Revolver .44 Russian Antique

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SOLD FOR: $2,602.89

LSB#: LSB260122VF037

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: New Model, Number 3

Serial Number: 11105

Year of Manufacture: 1878-1885 / Antique (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber: .44 Russian

Action Type: Single action, top break revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS, U.S.A.” Followed by patent dates on the 1st and 2nd line. The serial number “11105” is stamped on the inside right grip frame, rear face of the cylinder and the underside of the barrel latch.

Barrel Length: 6.5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon round blade pinned to the barrel rib . The rear sight is a U notch built into the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth ivory grips that have yellowed with age. There are a few dings and scratches on the surface of the grips. There are age cracks in the bottom of each grip panel but these do not affect the integrity of the grips. There is a lanyard loop screwed into the bottom of the grip frame.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is minor fouling near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains 92% of its original nickel finish. There is flaking around the muzzle and the joint pivot hinge. There is a turnline on the cylinder and wear in the cylinder stops. There are a few nicks in the finish along the barrel, cylinder and on the frame. There is no carbon buildup on the face of the cylinder. Overall, this handgun is in Fine condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel latch is sticky and can be difficult to open. The lockup and timing are good. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 represents the pinnacle of the company’s large-frame, 19th-century top-break revolver development. Produced from 1878 through 1912 (with early production in the 1878–1885 range qualifying as Antique), the New Model No. 3 refined earlier American and Russian contract variants into a robust and highly successful commercial design. Chambered in the highly regarded .44 Russian cartridge, this revolver reflects a period when Smith & Wesson was at the forefront of metallic cartridge revolver innovation. The automatic-ejecting top-break system was considered cutting-edge technology of its era and greatly enhanced speed of reloading compared to solid-frame contemporaries.

This example, manufactured between 1878 and 1885, retains approximately 92% of its original nickel finish—an attractive and desirable factory configuration. There is flaking at the muzzle and around the barrel hinge pivot, along with a cylinder turn line, wear at the cylinder stops, and a few scattered nicks along the barrel, cylinder, and frame. Importantly, there is no carbon buildup on the cylinder face, and the revolver presents very well overall. The smooth two-piece ivory grips have attractively yellowed with age and show minor dings and scratches, along with age cracks at the bottom of each panel that do not compromise structural integrity. A lanyard loop is installed at the butt, adding period character.

The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing only minor fouling near the muzzle and rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with good timing and lockup. The barrel latch is somewhat sticky and may benefit from careful cleaning and lubrication. We did not fire this revolver. Overall, this New Model No. 3 remains in Fine condition as an Antique and represents a highly collectible example of Smith & Wesson’s classic large-frame top-break revolver line—especially desirable in original nickel with period ivory grips. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!