Curious S&W N° 3

[DANIEL 1955]

Hello, Could anyone help me identify this weapon. Collector of Smith & Wesson, I am surprised by its small serial number (217), the off-center position of this number on the heel of the butt, and the style of the engraving which completely covers the weapon.
Thank you in advance for your help.
cordially,

Daniel

 

[mrcvs]

The engraving is amateur and comprised of removing “fill” and creating raised areas and not “true” engraving.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. Looks like either a New Model 3 or a 38 Single Action, 3rd Model. If the serial number is valid, a New Model 3 was manufactured in 1878. If a 38 Single Action it would have been manufactured in 1891. The New Model 3 was usually in a large caliber and most often in 44 Russian. If it is a 38 Single Action, it would have been chambered in 38 S&W. Measure the bore and the cylinder front and back to help us out.

 

[Zzylx]

The “engraving”looks like acid etching.
Probably devalues the gun

 

[AJ]

Makes you wonder what they were trying to hide?

 

[iby]

It is a New Model 3- A six shooter
38 SA- A 5 shooter

A first year gun. Nice.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Hello, Could anyone help me identify this weapon. Collector of Smith & Wesson, I am surprised by its small serial number (217), the off-center position of this number on the heel of the butt, and the style of the engraving which completely covers the weapon.
Thank you in advance for your help.
cordially,

Daniel

Your revolver is an early "New Model 3", and looks to be chambered in .44 Russian.

Decorative surface treatment is an Acid process, ( and not Engraving ) and I have seen a few other S & W Model 3s and New Model 3s having this method of embellishment.

It always looks to me like something I would expect from India, but so far as I can gather, it was being done here in the US...with some examples being very well done, and others not so well done.

Do you have any info on this Revolver's History or where it came from?

 

[mmaher94087]

I will venture that this revolver is a New Model #3 in .44 Russian. I see a step in the cylinder and six charge holes. Interesting engraving that I believe to be European in origin as it is similar to NY punch-dot engraving... but not quite. It is still a great looking S&W revolver. Oh, I'm also lousy at identifying engraving styles.

 

[mrcvs]

It very well may be acid etched, but I thought it appeared to be too deep for this and was manually removed? But maybe acid etching can be this extensive?

 

[BMur]

Tiffany’s?

Well, Tiffany’s was a very common producer of acid etched Smith & Wesson’s. The surface is heavily worn at present so we can’t judge the quality of the etching based on what remains. There was a Tiffany’s in France when this gun was manufactured so??? Might be time for a letter!

Murph

 

[Modified]

Looks like someone was trying to copy Tiffany acid etching on this gun.

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum ! As surmized above, it's an acid etched decoration job, not engraving. I have several close serial numbers and they are in caliber .44 Henry Rimfire and letter to Mexican distributors. Is your gun centerfire or rimfire ? There's a niche with some collectors who favor these aftermarket "enhanced" Smith & Wessons and their backstory.


Ed

 

[krsmith58]

WELCOME

Hello Mr DANIEL 1955. welcome from texas. you came to the right place for info on your Smiths. been a member 2 years and learn something almost every day. krs/kenny

 

[BMur]

Other markings?

Daniel,
Can you please check under the grip frame for any kind of markings, stamps, numbers, letters, etc?

Thanks,

Murph