New Model Number Three question

bravastar1 · #1 02-02-2013, 09:37 AM

I received a call from a local shop yesterday and was directed to a fellow that has a New Model Number Three that he may sell. His father brought it back from Korea right after the war, He has a letter showing that he could bring it home with him. I chatted with him on the phone last night and got some information about the gun. The sn is 35322. It has a 6 1/2" barrel and is chambered in .44Russian. The SCSW shows sn 35320-35500 shipped to Takata Japan in 1904 to 1908. The owner did not see any Japanese proof marks on the gun. From what I have read all of these did not get proof marks. I have seen a cell phone picture of the gun and I am going to look at the gun itself on Sunday. The picture shows the gun to be in very good condition. I am told the bore is bright and shiny. It has been in the same family for the past 50 plus years. The SCSW shows values of VG-1100 to Fine at $2000. Are these realistic numbers? I would appreciate any information about these revolvers.

Here are two pictures my Son took this morning. The only numbers on the gun were on the bottom of the grip and on the back of the cylinder. Both do match. There are NO other markings at all. Any value help will be appreciated.

Masterpiece · #2 02-02-2013, 11:23 AM

Hi Jim,

Some new information has come to light in the past few years regarding the later shipments of these NM#3's to Japan & I think if you were to "Letter" that revolver you'd find that it was most likely included in a fairly large shipment (1649 Revolvers) to Takata & Co. on Sept.1,1898 & not Post-1900 as originally believed!! This new information states that all the revolvers with Serial Numbers between 35320-35479 were in that shipment & is much earlier than previously estimated in the SCSW!!

You also didn't make mention as to whether the finish was Blue or Nickel!! Reason I mention it is, from the information we've accumulated over the years, it seems the number of Nickel-Finished NM#3's shipped to Japan was much less than the Blued Revolvers which would make a Revolver with that finish much scarcer although for some reason or another if one comes up for auction it generally brings a lesser price than a comparative condition Blue Finish!! Also, it's not uncommon to see these Later Japanese-Shipped Revolvers lacking any Japanese Markings or Lanyard Rings!! Just thought I'd mention that as well in case you weren't aware!!

As far as the value without seeing some photos, & taking into account you mentioned it was in very good condition, I'd have to think that a price in the $1500-$2000 Range is most definitely not out of order!! That is of course it's indeed "Correct" in every respect!! Hope this helps!!

bravastar1 · #3 02-02-2013, 11:32 AM

Thanks for all the great information. This one is a blue finish gun. I will see it tomorrow. Hopefully I can make a deal on this one.

Masterpiece · #4 02-02-2013, 01:15 PM

Hi Jim,

Glad to help!! One word of caution when you go to look at it!! Make sure to take a look to see if the Cylinder matches the Frame as many of these had the Cylinders mismatched to the Frames when they arrived in Japan because the Cylinders were shipped separately in the Shipping Crates!! Not necessarily the norm, but there have been quite a few observed that way & the overall condition of the parts looked to have been mismatched right from the start!! Also wouldn't hurt pull the Right Grip to make sure has a Matching Serial Number as well!!

One last question...It doesn't happen to have the Original Holster does it?? Reason I ask is these Original Japanese Holsters are very scarce & worth quite a bit on their own!! Just thought I'd throw that in as it would greatly affect what you should pay for the complete package!!

Good Luck & hope to see some photos if you are able to strike a deal!!

bravastar1 · #5 02-03-2013, 04:15 PM

Pictures added. Any value help will be appreciated.

Masterpiece · #6 02-03-2013, 06:25 PM

Hi Jim,

Well it looks to be a clean honest revolver anyway although from what you originally stated I'd have thought it would have had more of the original finish than it does!! Even so, I still think my original est. of the value is still somewhere in the ballpark, but if it were me I'd try to lean towards the lower side unless you really have interest!!

I also see you mentioned the only numbers you found were on the rear face of the cylinder & butt!! There should also be a serial no. on the underside of the barrel catch, between the fork on the rear of the barrel near the barrel latch & on the right side grip as well!! I'd also think since the grips are wood rather than hard rubber the serial no. could either be found penciled or stamped on the inside of the right grip!!

Did he give you some sort of an idea what he was asking or would take for it?? Just curious, because it sounds like you didn't finalize the deal as yet!!

By the way, did you get a chance to take a look at the bring-back paperwork to see if it was military or otherwise??

bravastar1 · #7 02-04-2013, 01:23 AM

I did not ask to see the bring back papers. I forgot to ask about them. Now that you mention it I did see a matching number on the underside of the barrel catch. The owner is still on the fence about selling. I told him I would call in a week or so. If he sells I think I can get is in the area of $1200. Thanks for all the great info.

Masterpiece · #8 02-04-2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravastar1

I did not ask to see the bring back papers.

Mornin' Jim,

Thanks, you're more than welcome for the info!!

Also, I'd imagine if you saw the Ser. No. on the Barrel Catch, it's also on the Barrel as well!! Wouldn't hurt to check the Grips though just to see if they're original!!

The price sounds fair enough, so I'd think it's well worth that if he indeed decides to let it go!! The reason I mentioned if you had a chance to see the paperwork was to see if they were actual "Capture" Papers or just Release Papers so he was allowed to bring it home with him!!

Once again......Good Luck!!