Hi all,

We are trying to learn a couple things about our Smith and Wesson Third Model Russian Revolver. I would like to both verify that this IS a Smith and Wesson Third model, know which "contract". The # on the bottom of the handle is 2332 or 2330.
The top is written in Russian and I would gladly type it out for you if I could!

What is it...?
Photos are here:
bdstewart's Photos : Smith and Wesson

It sure LOOKS like a 3rd model Russian.
I don't know how to tell which contract it fell under, though.

Your revolver is either a 2nd or 3rd model. However, the serial number you post is too low for these models. We need additional pictures of the top of the barrel and the butt of the gun with the grips removed. Is there a shoulder in the charge holes or is it bored straight through? Joe Leiper will know in an instant what model your gun is.

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

There is a shoulder, additional photos have been uploaded.

Okay, the shoulders indicate a Russian cartridge. Are there numbers on the bottom of the frame next to the lanyard swivel? If so, please post pictures of them.

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

There are. The numbers say 2332.

Howdy

Definitely a Third Model Russian. The large head knurled screw on the top strap is indicative of the Third Model. Also, the front sight will be forged from the same piece of metal as the barrel. The 2nd Model Russian did not have the large knurled screw on top, just a small screw with a regular style head. Front sight on the 2nd Model was a separate piece, pinned to the barrel. Standard barrel length for the 3rd Model was 6 1/2", standard barrel length for the 3rd Model was 7". The proportions of the large lug under the barrel (ejector housing) are different with the two models too. The 2nd Model had a longer ejector housing than the 3rd Model.

Here is a photo of my 2nd Model for comparison.



According to Supica and Nahas, the 3rd Model Russian was only produced from 1874 to 1878. Most were chambered for the 44 Russian round, a few were chambered for the 44 Henry Rimfire round. The rimfire version will have a different type of hammer, so the rim of the cartridge can be struck.

Russian contract numbers can be difficult to track down because it is believed that each contract started over again with the number 1.

Does the russian language writing on the top change the value? What does the writing say?

It is a Tula manufactured Russian military 3rd Model. Tula and Ludwig Loewe only manufactured the 3rd model. The numbers on this revolver are wrong, it looks to have been renumbered as the face of the numbers is wrong and it is upside down.

The text on the barrel in cyrillic reads:
ИМПЕРАТОРСКІЙ ту********скскі******** оруже********ны******** заво********ъ 18XX********. № XXXX
which translates to
IMPERIAL Tula weapons factory 18XXg № XXXX

where 18XXg is the date of manufacture and the XXXX is the serial number.
Joe

After close examination of the photos, I would add that the frame is American Commercial made at Smith and Wesson. The square 1874 mark is a Commercial mark. The barrel extension is Russian manufactured and renumbered. Remember that the Luwig Loewes and Tulas were made to original Smith and Wesson inspection guages so they are parts interchangable.
Fascinating piece!
Joe

Here are what the barrel and frame marks should look like on a Tula manufactured revolver. This is serial 6010 from 1888. The serial number of 2332 is too low for 1890 manufacture.
DSCN3481a copy.jpg
THe barrel markings
DSCN3484a.jpg
The frame markings; the double headed eagle over 'ПК' is an acceptance commission mark and the circle hammer is the Tula arsenal mark.
Joe