New Model No. 3 Target, number 43

larkworthy · May 21, 2026

Group,

I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson New Model Number 3 Target, serial number 43, chambered in 44 Russian, with some odd features. First off, the revolver has a lanyard ring that may be through the serial number. There serial number of the revolver is stamped twice on the left hand side of the frame under the grips (I have not seen it stamped twice). The barrel and cylinder are marked 43 but the rear sight has no serial number. The grips do not have a serial number written or stamped.

I have sent in for a letter request so we will say what the records say. Open to feedback on what else to look for. Regards, Lyle

wlw-19958 · May 21, 2026

Hi There,

This is an exceptional example. The condition is very fine and with an early
serial number, it is very desirable. I have noticed one thing that makes me
think there may be more to the history of this revolver.

The serial number 43 is stamped in all the right places but the form of the
number "3" is different on some parts. The "3" on the barrel has the round
top form and the "3" on the cylinder has the flat top form. This makes me
think the revolver was sent back and another barrel installed. I think it was
the Factory because the serial number on the grip frame is stamped twice.
One of the serial numbers has the flat top "3" and the other has the round
top "3."

This one may deserve a "Deep Dive."

Cheers!
Webb

iby · May 22, 2026

Were target sights available??????
I like Webb's theory

larkworthy · May 22, 2026

wlw-19958 said:
Hi There,

This is an exceptional example. The condition is very fine and with an early
serial number, it is very desirable. I have noticed one thing that makes me
think there may be more to the history of this revolver.

The serial number 43 is stamped in all the right places but the form of the
number "3" is different on some parts. The "3" on the barrel has the round
top form and the "3" on the cylinder has the flat top form. This makes me
think the revolver was sent back and another barrel installed. I think it was
the Factory because the serial number on the grip frame is stamped twice.
One of the serial numbers has the flat top "3" and the other has the round
top "3."

This one may deserve a "Deep Dive."

Cheers!
Webb

Webb, good catch on the serial number variance with the number 3 fonts. It is plausible that it started as a standard model (especially with this low number) and then was returned, but I would expect to see a date on the frame. It is also plausible that it was removed from inventory for a special order and changed there and re-stamped before shipment. I will take it apart and see if there are any rework marks in the usual places. Hopefully a factory letter will help us understand what it is.

Regards, Lyle

wlw-19958 · May 22, 2026

Hi There,

It was my understanding that the stamping of a 'return' date on the grip
frame didn't start until the early 20th. Century. If it was returned before
that time, then there isn't going to be a date stamp. One reason for the
"Deep Dive."

Cheers!
Webb

wlw-19958 · May 22, 2026

Hi There,

I keep thinking about this one. I wonder if there was a change in the font
style of the stamps used in the serial number? Unfortunately, the only two
NM#3's I have are late manufacture (SN 34352 & SN 35722) and they are
the only examples I have showing the font style of the number "3." Both
have the flat top number "3."

How about others with lower serial numbers with the number "3" in it
posting some pics of theirs?

Cheers!
Webb

wlw-19958 · May 22, 2026

Hi There,

Another direction to investigate would be the target sights. I know very little
on the history of the target sights S&W offered for the NM#3 and at what
times they were available to the public.

I notice this one has the elevation screw in the bottom. I would like to see
more pics of the rear sight and maybe the more knowledgeable members
would comment on when the type was available.

Cheers!
Webb

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

wlw-19958 said:
Hi There,

I keep thinking about this one. I wonder if there was a change in the font
style of the stamps used in the serial number? Unfortunately, the only two
NM#3's I have are late manufacture (SN 34352 & SN 35722) and they are
the only examples I have showing the font style of the number "3." Both
have the flat top number "3."

View attachment 876922
View attachment 876923

How about others with lower serial numbers with the number "3" in it
posting some pics of theirs?

Cheers!
Webb

On a side note, have you lettered these revolvers? I believe 34352 was shipped on Sept 1, 1898 and 35722 may be part of the last shipment to Japan on Mar 11 or May 15, 1908

Regards, Lyle

wlw-19958 · May 23, 2026

Hi There,

I've located the letter for SN 35722.

I hope to turn-up the letter for 34352 soon. From what I remember,
it was part of the 1905 shipment to Takata & Co.

Cheers!
Webb

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

wlw-19958 said:
Hi There,

I've located the letter for SN 35722.

View attachment 876940

I hope to turn-up the letter for 34352 soon. From what I remember,
it was part of the 1905 shipment to Takata & Co.

Cheers!
Webb

Very cool! The 8" version is quite difficult to find and I really like the late shipment of this one. You know who to call if you get bored of it!

Regards, Lyle

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

We explored S&W serial number fonts in a different thread but for fun, below are the S&W's I have with the with the round top number 3 or flat top number 3's (or both).

First up is a Baby Russian 6335, shipped Sept 23, 1876. This is the "newest" Baby Russian with the early 3 font, the later ones have the flat top 3.

Next are some Model 3's. I have a 44 Rimfire American with a later serial number 32585 that has the round top 3.

Next is a Russian 2nd Model with mixed 3's, serial number 37156. The butt of the revolver has a flat top 3 with a round top 3 on the grips. The other components have an assembly number of 707 (no 3's)

Next up is a Model 3, 3rd Model Russian, serial number 39324 with a flat top 3's on the butt, round top 3's on the grips, assembly number is 404 (no 3's).

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

Now to New Model Number 3's. We have seen 43. Serial numbers 1633, 3571, 3858, and 7318 have flat top 3 serial numbers on the butt and round top serial numbers on the grips, cylinder, latch, and barrel. 17163 has flat top 3's on the butt, barrel, latch, cylinder, and a round top 3 on the grips.

Serial number 24831 is the lowest serial number New Model 3 that I have that has the flat top 3 on all components - Butt, cylinder, Latch, Barrel, and Grips.

wlw-19958 · May 23, 2026

Hi There,

So far, your examples of round top "3" were all made before 1878 and hence
were made before the NM#3 came out. I think it is best to use only NM#3's
for this comparison.

It is my understanding S&W machined out the frames, fitted the grips and
serial numbered them first. These 'completed' frames were put into stock
and sat there until a work order is generated and the frame is then pulled
from stock by the 'fitter.' Based on the work order, the fitter would pull the
needed parts and fit the gun parts together. The cylinder, barrel, frame and
barrel latch were then given their respective 'fitting number' (which by the
the time the NM#3 was in production was the serial number).

So, does anyone else have a NM#3 that has this mixture of 'round top' and
'flat top' number "3"s?

Cheers!
Webb

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

Here is 7318 that has both. Flat 3 on the butt, round 3 on the rest.

wlw-19958 · May 23, 2026

Hi There,

Is that one of the Henry Nettleton inspected NM#3's? I didn't notice his
initials. Still a very nice addition to any collection.

But this shows that both kinds of "3"s were used; at least during that time.
And it may be an indication of the time frame when SN 43 went back for
a barrel change and target sights. But more examples should be obtained
to determine any pattern.

Cheers!
Webb

larkworthy · May 23, 2026

wlw-19958 said:
Hi There,

Is that one of the Henry Nettleton inspected NM#3's? I didn't notice his
initials. Still a very nice addition to any collection.

But this shows that both kinds of "3"s were used; at least during that time.
And it may be an indication of the time frame when SN 43 went back for
a barrel change and target sights. But more examples should be obtained
to determine any pattern.

Cheers!
Webb

Webb, yes, it is a Nettleton example.

wlw-19958 · May 23, 2026

Hi There,

Fantastic!! The recoil shield shows virtually no wear. That indicates it should
be in good mechanical condition. Does the cylinder and grips show any
evidence of Henry's initials? How about the DAL cartouche on the grips?

Getting back to the mixed style number "3"s, The 'Bible' says that these were
made in 1878 and hence were first year manufacture. The 280 revolvers were
number in the SN 7127 to SN 7405 range. This example shows round top
"3"s on all fitted parts as well as the grips. The serial number on the butt is
the only place a flat top "3" was used. So, a round top "3" was in use by the
'fitters' (at least one of them) to stamp the parts when fitted to this example.

Now, it would be nice to see more early examples!

Cheers!
Webb

larkworthy · May 24, 2026

This one is a little rough, but it is another early New Model No. 3, serial number 3571 with the flat top 3 on all components except the grips which have a round top 3. This one is in 44 rimfire and shipped to Turkey on December 3, 1879.