Some Questions on a New Model 3?

[jconwell821]

My father found this gun in the attic of my step mother's mom's attic. From what I have gathered it is a New Model 3 in .32 last date stamped on the barrel looks like 1889...squinting trying to read it. All the actions work perfectly and everything appears to be in very nice condition...can't see any pitting inside the barrel and looks like it was barely fired.

We were wondering how rare the .32 model was as my searches usually bring up the Russian or .38 models. What kind of value is there to this? He has been given offers on it while trying to find out more about it at local gun shops, but I'm getting the feeling they were low balling him.



I've heard of handmade sights to replace broken ones. Is this an original one? I've been assuming yes given the rest of the guns condition.



Grip looks almost new. We think this was used potentially as a service revolver by my Step Mom's Mother's Father.







Tried to get a shot of the barrel for everyone.


Thanks for the help!
Jason

[Masterpiece]

Originally Posted by jconwell821

From what I have gathered it is a New Model 3 in .32 last date stamped on the barrel looks like 1889.

Hi Jason,

First off, Welcome to the Forum!!

Secondly, the reason you're having trouble finding info on your Revolver is the fact that you've mistaken the Model Identity!! Actually what you have, judging by the Serial No. & Last Patent Date on the Barrel Rib, is a 4th Model 32 Dbl-Action Top-Break!!

Both of the Sights "Are" Original to the Revolver from what I see!! You also made no mention to the Barrel Length, but it looks to be a 6" Barrel...Correct?? If so, that Barrel Length is not Rare, so to speak, but is Scarce and is worth a fair amount more than one of these with the Std. 3"-3 1/2" Barrels!! I haven't collected these for many years, but there most assuredly will be others here along shortly still collecting these that will be able to give you a more realistic value in today's market, but I would assume it's still in the $500 Range & Up!! Just curious, but what were the Local Shops offering??

Well Jason, it looks as though you've acquired a Pretty Nice Long-Barreled .32 Dbl.-Action Top-Break!! Hope you enjoy it & I guess I'll let the other guys take it from here!!

[jconwell821]

Thanks for the response! I'll have to brush up on my google skills, but one model off isn't too bad hah!

Measured the barrel and yes it is a six inch. The local gun shop was in the 400 range if my dad's memory is any good.

[Masterpiece]

Originally Posted by jconwell821

I'll have to brush up on my google skills, but one model off isn't too bad hah!

Jason,

It wasn't so much identifying it as Model 3 was "One Off", as it was referring to it as a New Model 3!! Reason being, the New Model #3's are Large-Frame Top-Breaks & is why you were coming up with the Russian Models when you were Google Searching!! Other than that you did very well for not having any idea what you had!!

Also, thanks for verifying the Barrel Length at 6" as I didn't think it looked to be one of the Considerably Longer Lengths...(8" & 10")...they produced these in!! By the way, those Two Barrel Lengths "Are" considered to be quite Rare!!

Honestly, the price your father was quoted at the Local Shop was actually more respectable than what I was expecting to hear!! Generally these Shops don't offer anywhere near what something this old might be worth & is the reason I mentioned their price was respectable!! Of course since I haven't collected these in many years that might still have been quite low!!

Actually, I'm kind of surprised some of the other Forum Members haven't come forward as yet to give you any current pricing as there quite a few here that collect them!! No worries, I'm sure they'll be along soon!

[opoefc]

jconwell821, It looks to be a nice clean .32DA in shootable condition, however $400 is pretty much top dollar for this model in most areas with which I'm familiar. Having said that, you may want to hang on to the gun as a family heirloom. In that case it's priceless. You might want to quiz Grandma ( if she's still around) on what she knows about the gun's history. Ed.