Single Shot 3rd Model? Also, could use feedback on condition and value

[CKPOMEH]

Hi gang -

I bumped into this at a local gun show. It looks like 3rd Model Single Shot, SN 7052. Would love to get feedback on:

1) Does it look all correct from the pics? I think so, but this is the first time I see one in person...
2) Condition wise, how would you rate it? Left side looks great, right side has some observable high spot wear and little rusting on sideplate...
3) Value wise - where would you place it? (I looked on GB but condition and prices vary so much on the 3-4 closed ones, it was so hard)

Thank you!

 

[Scooter748driver]

I'm no expert on Number 3s (or anything else for that matter), but 8 can't tell much of anyth8mg from those pictures. Do you have any more that are more clear/show more detail?

 

[mmaher94087]

The SS appears to be correct, but I agree with scooter, the photos are lousy at best.

 

[CKPOMEH]

The SS appears to be correct, but I agree with scooter, the photos are lousy at best.

Thank you! Yes - I finally got some better pictures. I attach here. Would appreciate feedback on the questions I raised. First time I see one of those in person, I read some, watched a couple of you tube videos on it but no experience in what to look for, etc...

Thanks for any inputs in advance!

 

[CKPOMEH]

I'm no expert on Number 3s (or anything else for that matter), but 8 can't tell much of anyth8mg from those pictures. Do you have any more that are more clear/show more detail?

Yes, there were pretty bad. I just uploaded much better pics. Hopefully they will be more useful...Thank you in advance!

 

[TheTinMan]

The third photo in Post #4 shows bare metal in places that would not be normal friction points plus pitting on the side plate.

Does the same serial number appear on the frame, barrel, underside of latch, and inside right grip panel?

I don't think that the Patridge front sight is original but could be wrong about that.

Value? These are delightful guns to shoot if you are patient enough for a single shot. However, I don't believe you have a collectible there.

 

[CKPOMEH]

The third photo in Post #4 shows bare metal in places that would not be normal friction points plus pitting on the side plate.

Does the same serial number appear on the frame, barrel, underside of latch, and inside right grip panel?

I don't think that the Patridge front sight is original but could be wrong about that.

Value? These are delightful guns to shoot if you are patient enough for a single shot. However, I don't believe you have a collectible there.

Thanks for the note! I have not checked on the serial numbers - are the above four where I should expect to see the SN? Where should I look more specifically for the 'underside the latch'. I assume the barrel would be on the underside, as with the other revolvers...

And yes - the right side of the frame is where I also have most concerns with - those bare metal spots appear to be on the high points of the frame, so I thought it might have been holstered. Interestingly, no such wear on the left side...and then given the pitting, it could be from laying somewhere and catching on some moisture...

 

[mmaher94087]

Thank you! Much better pictures. Your Single Shot, 3rd Model appears correct in every way including the Patridge front sight. The finish loss to the right side may be from residing in a leather holster. You have a very nice single shot.

 

[red9]

Beautiful example. The gold (?) bead on the front sight is either special order or later addition.

Bob

 

[mmaher94087]

I looked at that bead also, but I came to the conclusion that it was light reflecting odd the sight blade.

 

[Retired W4]

I looked at that bead also, but I came to the conclusion that it was light reflecting odd the sight blade.

I don't know but it looks like a bead to me. Nice 3rd Model. I'm looking for a 2nd Model to go with my 1st, 3rd and 4th.

 

[CKPOMEH]

I don't know but it looks like a bead to me. Nice 3rd Model. I'm looking for a 2nd Model to go with my 1st, 3rd and 4th.

I do not have the pistol in front but I do not recall a bead - probably a reflection in the picture indeed.

Do you see any indication for a potential re-blue, BTW?

 

[CKPOMEH]

Thank you! Much better pictures. Your Single Shot, 3rd Model appears correct in every way including the Patridge front sight. The finish loss to the right side may be from residing in a leather holster. You have a very nice single shot.

Thank you! Does the blueing look original to you? On one hand I can see the bare spots and pitting on the plate on that right side, on the other hand the overall blue is pretty deep and nice, which for a 100 old gun, it may indicate a reblue somewhere in the its long life...?

 

[Retired W4]

The hammer stud and return slide stud on the left side do not indicate a refinish but that's just one area I look for, that and the side plate seams.

 

[TheTinMan]

Thanks for the note! I have not checked on the serial numbers - are the above four where I should expect to see the SN? Where should I look more specifically for the 'underside the latch'. I assume the barrel would be on the underside, as with the other revolvers...

<snip>

Open the revolver and look at the bottom of the latch.

I missed another spot: "rear face of ejector plate" according to Supica & Nahas.

The standard from sight was a Paine Target blade (which this is not), but other front sights came from the factory.

This thread should be helpful:

B

Thread 'New Model 3 target front sight blades'

Aug 6, 2021

What types of front sight blades were available from the factory for the New Model 3? Tried a google search and Forum search with no luck.

I have two Model 3's with non-rebounding hammers and adjustable rear target sights but the front sight blades are slightly different.

One has a distinct bead and the other appears to be a post. Viewed from the side both sights are flat, not rounded like the more common front sight.

Regards,
bcowern

• bcowern
• Replies: 22
• Forum: S&W Antiques

 

[CKPOMEH]

Open the revolver and look at the bottom of the latch.

I missed another spot: "rear face of ejector plate" according to Supica & Nahas.

The standard from sight was a Paine Target blade (which this is not), but other front sights came from the factory.

This thread should be helpful:

B

Thread 'New Model 3 target front sight blades'

Aug 6, 2021

What types of front sight blades were available from the factory for the New Model 3? Tried a google search and Forum search with no luck.

I have two Model 3's with non-rebounding hammers and adjustable rear target sights but the front sight blades are slightly different.

One has a distinct bead and the other appears to be a post. Viewed from the side both sights are flat, not rounded like the more common front sight.

Regards,
bcowern

• bcowern
• Replies: 22
• Forum: S&W Antiques

Thank you. I looked up some pics online and in the SWSC - I now know what to look for. The SWSC did not mention the right grips - shall I expect to see the SN there as well?

 

[mmaher94087]

My opinion is that this Single Shot is correct and original in every way including the front sight and original blue finish. I see nothing that indicates a refinish or that this pistol has ever been taken apart.

 

[CKPOMEH]

My opinion is that this Single Shot is correct and original in every way including the front sight and original blue finish. I see nothing that indicates a refinish or that this pistol has ever been taken apart.

Thank you, the above re-assurance is very helpful. I am thinking of pulling the trigger on it. Any thoughts on value in this condition? There are a couple on GB but they appear at slightly better condition, and I know condition is everything in those older revolvers...

 

[mmaher94087]

I'm out of town until Monday. Maybe someone with a copy of the SCSW can give a value range.

 

[mrcvs]

$1400 to $1600, based on the photographs.

 

[CKPOMEH]

I'm out of town until Monday. Maybe someone with a copy of the SCSW can give a value range.

Thank you! I have the 5th edition of the SWSC - $1,400 for E, $1,000 for VG. I assume this is a VG gun with the right side having issues on the side plate and those high spots? Left side is excellent.

I have noticed some values, particularly on 22LRs being off, though - like M41 excellent $1,600-1,800 when one can find them for about $1,000...so I was inquiring for other POVs from folks who know those better.

I appreciate everyone chiming in!

 

[CKPOMEH]

$1400 to $1600, based on the photographs.

Thanks, what condition would you rate it based on this pics? I thought it would be VG?

 

[mrcvs]

Thank you! I have the 5th edition of the SWSC - $1,400 for E, $1,000 for VG. I assume this is a VG gun with the right side having issues on the side plate and those high spots? Left side is excellent.

I have noticed some values, particularly on 22LRs being off, though - like M41 excellent $1,600-1,800 when one can find them for about $1,000...so I was inquiring for other POVs from folks who know those better.

I appreciate everyone chiming in!

It's unusual for these to bring $1000 unless in really poor condition. Nice examples bring $1750. And so I came up with $1400 to $1600. Maybe $1200 to $1400 is a bit more in the buyer's favor, but it's hard to find these much cheaper unless riddled with condition issues.

 

[CKPOMEH]

Folks - thanks for all the inputs, based on the positive feedback here, I purchased the pistol. SN was stamped on the 4 spots called out in the SWSC and explained above - thank you! I have not taken the stocks off to check on the right stock and probably will not do so as I do not want to risk breaking those century old stocks, they are in very good shape but who know...(I have been there chipping off $200 stocks in the past unfortunately)

SN is 70XY. Any inputs on DOB would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

I am also thinking of putting it in a display box, as its line are so pretty, and the craftmanship in building it is very evident. Would there be a period appropriate display box I should look to copy - felt color, wood color, etc...? I will look through some pics in the SWSC but wanted to inquire here as well...