Letters are excellent to do a few things. First, the letter will contain all the details about the Model 3 Russian, date range, use, etc. It will tell you if the revolver is a genuine S&W, it will give you all the details on what configuration your Model 3 left the factory with barrel length, original finish, original stocks, caliber, etc. Lastly, it will identify the exact day it was shipped and where it went. Make sure you print some images of the revolver and send with the letter request form.

As for original finish, it does look odd, but I have seen this oxidized color on other antique S&Ws and never sure what happened. With the Ivory stocks, maybe it was a special order and could be silver plate as well??? Most questions will be answered with the letter. There are people out there that are expert at restoring stocks and I am sure someone could use faux ivory to fill in the missing section of the right stock and color it to match the existing ivory. It will make the gun whole again and give the appropriate appearance and feel in the hand. It will also present much better. Some members here may even have a right stock, or old sections of ivory Model 3 ivory stocks??? Good luck and let us know when you receive the letter.

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Gary
SWCA 2515