Saw this advertised as original finish for a pre 1898 revolver.

model 3.jpg

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Pre-1898 .

From the single photo - the polishing looks even, the sideplate seam is thin, the metal edges are not rounded and the rounded pin heads are round, so it is possible. Multiple photos from different angles, or probably an in-person exam, would be needed to be sure.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Need some better quality pictures in natural daylight or diffused daylight simulated light, no flash, however, if the frame is truly a brownish hue, no. These were finished in a fine, bright, blue over finely finished metal (metal smooth, edges sharp, with no evidence of sand scratches no matter how fine they appear). Trigger guard should retain some characteristic or evidence of being color case hardened but appears blued now. An original, worn, case color of the trigger guard would show a silverish hue. Metal around the trigger pin is boogered.

While it is difficult to ascertain from just one, rather poor photo, No, it does not appear to be original finish.

While you're looking, check to determine if the serial numbers on the butt, the face of the cylinder, the underside of the clasp and the barrel (numbered in the recessed area in the rear of the barrel, visible only when the latch is raised and held) all match. Also, the stocks, if original, should have the same serial number in pencil (on wood stocks on hard rubber stocks would be scribed in) on the underside of the right stock.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

This is listed for sale by someone about 150 miles away. I was skeptical about it being original. I'll ask for some additional pictures. If it were original, $3000 would be a good price. Not so much if a refinish? What do you guys think?

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Robert, too many variables here. You need to go examine it, up close and personal, to determine fit / finish and above all, mechanical function / mechanical wear.

This does not appear to be a S&W Factory refinish but if it were, the S&W Factory refinish is the most respected as, sometimes, other than a few hints and / or markings, would be nearly impossible to tell it had been refinished by the factory.

Excellent condition, original finish New Model 3s (or any Model 3 variation) are very difficult to find and surely worth a premium, depending upon which model and variation, a substantial premium.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Thank you. As much as I'd love a nice model 3, I don't need to make a mistake at those prices

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Here is the deal, don't discount the validity of the gun yet. With that picture, I cannot tell if the gun is blue or nickel? If nickel, is shows well. I tried to edit the image by taking out the brown tint and still cannot tell either way. Does the seller have more images? The stocks look flawless and if original usually show any comparative wear to the gun, and in this case the stocks show no wear. Can you contact the owner and obtain information whether there is a matching serial number stamped on the inside of the right stock?

Lastly, the screws appear to have not ever been turned and the picture shows case coloring on the hammer, both good signs.

Attached Images

model 3.jpg (279.7 KB, 109 views)

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Based upon the ONE photo; I vote: Refinish. My only reasons are: that the front sight blade appears to have blue on it and the trigger guard appears blue also. The blades are German Silver and should be shiny. The trigger guard are case color like the hammer.

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Mike Maher #283

Based on that photo I give it a ??

Really no way to tell without further inspection, or a number of good quality photo's including some detail close ups. I will say it looks promising enough that I would drive the 150 miles to examine it. And I would take along the cash.

Based on that "one" picture, I would not invest my time nor the gasoline. If the seller cooperates with some better quality photos then likely I would take the ride if it was nice enough.

It is always good to be the first one there with a pile of Presidential portraits, LOL !

In the past I have traveled by plane ticket to examine a S&W if nice enough. Taking a drive a few hundred miles is a not a problem but only with the proper cooperation from the seller and the price range pre-established.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Hi, Mike. I agree on all points except one. On this model I do not believe the absence of a Silver front sight is an issue. If I recall correctly the German Silver front sights (the split arrow shape) were discontinued as a "standard" feature in or near the American Transition range, however, still available by request.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

I now agree with Sal. I misspoke about the front sight before verifying the facts. Lame excuse: I "thought" I gave correct information but on examination I was wrong.

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Mike Maher #283

Mike, You were not wrong. That sight was available, and like you, I, and most old timers, prefer that split arrow shaped silver front sight. I only wish I could find some. It wasn't gone, just not a standard feature on the NM3. Sal

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Model #3, is there any way this is original finish?

No.

Best regards,

I would request from the seller MANY more photographs before doing anything. The one photograph "suggests" refinish, but one confounding factor is the condition of the hammer. The case colouring appears very vivid. This is typical of a gun with little wear, so this suggests that the rest of the gun should reflect that of the hammer (e.g., little wear). Case coloured components were rarely recasecoloured, and the state of the hammer suggests rather strongly that this is original. Were this a typical refinish, I would expect the hammer to reflect the state of the rest of the gun prior to refinish (e.g., significant wear, dullness), or have been later blued or nickeled at refinish. Of course, this could be an atypical refinish where this gun, although being rather pristine, might have had a scratch or other blemish that caused a previous owner to have refinished, despite its other well-preserved state.

The sideplate screw holes look a lot more dished than typical factory polishing. It could be the lighting but the frame looks more matte than the barrel.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

The gun is 140 years old. What is it suppose to look like. Its used and has
history. So the front sight is in question and the case colors are off.
As a retired ME, I marvel at what those guys made.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Take a closer look at those boogers at the lower pins, the flattened forward pin and the dark trigger guard. That kind of rules out original finish while I'll admit it may be a professional quality commercial (utilitarian) refinish. It may also be "in the white" as though prepared for a refinish. Can't tell from that one terrible picture.

Attached Images

NM3 Orig or Ref Sideplate.jpg (142.0 KB, 64 views)

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Almost looks like a crack at the rear pin, and the sideplate fit above the pins looks dished. Not up on these old ones very much, but after getting raped last year I do pay a lot more attention and read all these posts more than once.

Since you brought it up, if not too painful to discuss, can you address this so we can all learn from this? I would start in a new thread. Thank you in advance.

I've already stuck my foot in my mouth once on this post but I need to ask: Why are my NM #3 triggers silver looking or 'Straw color' and this example is blue?

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Mike Maher #283

Requested photos a day or two ago and so far no response.

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Because your triggers are correct. The straw color you mention is the case color hardening which turns silverish over the years. Blue is not correct.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425