I have read quite a little about this gun. I would like to know more. I inherited it from my wifes mother about a year ago.
After getting the Standard Catalog 3rd addition, I confirmed that it is a Tula made gun by the markings on the backstrap. I thought their should be a serial number at the end of these markings, but their is not. Nothing has been removed from this area. Is it common for these not to have a serial number?
Any idea of how many of these were made?
I have seen values all over the place. What are your opinions on a value for this gun.
Thank You
Randy

Show us some photos of the markings. It looks like a very nice condition specimen, rare for a real Tula made gun as they usually saw lots of service. Many years ago I briefy possed a Tula S&W copy, heavily plated in gold, exquisitly engraved, jewel incrusted, and with a shoulder stock of carved ivory, said to have been made for the Czar of Russia. It had no serial number either. Ed.

Thanks Ed.
I tried to take some pictures of the markings on the barrel rib. Any sugestions on how to take a picture that close and still have it in focus? So far no luck.
I would have really liked to see the example you had. Was The czar at that time Cathrine the Great?
Now you really got me to thinking. My ancesters lived in Russia at that time. They were Germans that were offered farm land in Russia in exchange for teaching the Russians how to farm. Then when Cathrine the great came along, she started killing all of the Germans in the Volga area. My ancesters fled to the United States. They settled in Colorado and still farm there to this day.
This gun might have been around during some of this. I wish it could talk.
My "facts" might not be even close to what really happend, but that is how I remember the story that was told to me.

Still wondering about this gun if anyone has any information.

Thanks
Wing master

Catherine was Czarina in 1796, which predates the revolver in question.

My mothers family were White Russians who escaped the Bolsheviks in 1917 through Poland.

Nice gun, These guns were made under the reign of two Tsars, Alexander II and Alexander III. Alexander II was killed in 1880 by a bomb being thrown under his carriage. Ironically Vladimir Lenin's older brother participated in this event and was hanged for it. Alexander III died in 1894.

I guess if Catherine was Czarina in 1796 that shoots my story all to heck. My family came here in the late 1800's.

It's kinda funny how alot of the stories as I remember them don't add up. I am not sure if it is my memory or the memory of the person telling me the story. I am relatively sure that my family came from some sort of German background, cause when my Grandpa got mad, he talked in a language that sounded to me like German. I don't know if Grandma understood what he was saying, but she didn't say much until the German sounding language stopped.

Anyway, Does anyone know anything about this revolver? Its a pretty cool gun. I have been thinking about shooting it but am a little worried that if something breaks I will be kicking myself for ever thinking of something as stupid as shooting it.

Wing master

Your Tula revolver is a copy of the S&W 3rd model Russian, probably made in the 1880-90 era. The gold plated Tula copy I mentioned above was a copy of a S&W American Model. Probably made for Czar Alexander II. You need a macro lens on your camera to get good close ups of the markings, I believe. Ed .

Thanks opoefc.
I will see what I can come up with for a close up.

Do you have any idea as far as value?

Thanks
Wingmaster

Genuine Tula made copies are seldom seen in nice condition and their value depends, of course, on collector demand, but they seem to go in auctions, etc. for just as much as a S&W made Russian model will go for. If you are a serious collector of the big frame top breaks, a Tula and a Ludwig Loewe copy should be in your collection. Ed.

Thanks opoefc.

Wingmaster