Model 3 American Identification

[DRA]

I have a Model 3 American, "New Model" with a 6 1/2" barrel. Latest patents show 1877 on the top rail. Serial # 15331.

Does anyone have information on when exactly when it was manufactured and any dealer info? Also I believe it is chambered in 44 Russian and it was originally blued. It is an American model not a Russian model.

With that serial number, given there were about 36,000 made between 1878 and 1912, I would guess it is in the 1890s sometime.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum. I think what you are describing is a New Model No. 3, not an American model. An American model would not have an 1877 patent date, or a 6 1/2 in. barrel. Is it a square butt or a round butt? You can tell the caliber by looking down the charge holes of the cylinder. If there is a ring 2/3rds of the way down, it's a .44 S&W Russian caliber. If the hole is straight with no ring, it's a .44S&W American caliber. Post some photos of your gun and we can tell you exactly what you have. Ed.

[DRA]

Yes. You are correct. I misspoke about the name. I have heard it stated many ways. It is a New Model 3 given the patent date of 1877.

I will check on the chambering as you suggested and I will post some pictures. It was my father-in-law's gun and is quite a good specimen.

Is there any information available to find out from its registration number when it was built and where it was sold?

Thanks, Doug

[opoefc]

DRA, Yes, you can order a factory historical letter from Roy Jinks, Factory Historian, Cost is $50. Well worth it for a family gun. It will tell you when the gun left the factory and to where it was shipped, plus other details of the original configuration of the gun when shipped. I think there's a link on this Forum site to a form you need to send in with the $50, also there's a link on the S&W factory web page. Ed.

[DRA]

opoefc

Thanks for the info.

[DRA]

opoefc

BTW I did check the chambers and it is 44 S&W Russian per your description.

Thanks