Retail prices?

[Blind Boy]

I have been asked to help price two S&W revolvers that are out of my range of knowledge, price wise. I have had both of these revolvers in my hand at Tulsa, and suggested to the owner at that time to go to the S&WCA tables for advice, but he apparently did not, so now I appeal to you. Both have Roy's letters dated from 2008 and both are at least 97% in condition.

Item 1: New Model #3 Target, .44 Russian, Nickel, 6 1/2" barrel, no trigger guard spur, hard rubber stocks, shipped 1880 from MW Robinson.

Item 2: New Model #3 Target, .32-44, 6 1/2 barrel, Blue, hard rubber stocks, shipped 1905 Schoverling Daly.

Any help is much appreciated.

[opoefc]

Pictures & serial numbers would help us estimate market values. What is the caliber of Item 1 ? Do both guns letter as original target models? Do all numbers match, including the grips? Are the finishes original? Are the guns in good mechanical condition and all parts are original? Ed.

[Blind Boy]

All numbers match and both physically match their letter as described above. Both are in excellent condition inside and out, 97% original blue finish, which is conservative. The Nickel .44 Russian is better, 98%, detecting any usage is futile. One percent is hard to quantify. Item 1 is .44 Russian caliber and not a Target Model, but has target sights. I don't believe a Target Model was listed, per se, in 1880, according to my understanding of the SWSC. I'm sorry, no pictures at this time. I'm in KC and the revolvers are in WY and I'm technically challenged. These seem to be standard items, no options other than target sights for the nickel .44 Russian.

[opoefc]

The .44 Russian, Item 1, is a target gun and the letter should identify it as such. S&W designed a special target cartridge in calibers .32-44 and .38-44 that had the bullet seated deep inside the case and produced a variation of the NM#3 revolver, with the caliber stamped on the barrels, for each round, and called them "Target" models. NM#3 revolvers in other calibers ( .44 Russian, .44-40 WCF, .45 Schofield, 450 Eley, etc. ) with target sights do not have their calibers stamped on the gun's barrels, but the guns are legitimate target revolvers. I would estimate the two revolvers you are describing as having a current market value in the $4,000 minimum range each, and perhaps will bring more in a good auction setting. Ed.

[Blind Boy]

This helps a lot. I understand the obvious limitations of giving a quote on a vague description, but we just wanted a place to start. I thank you for your input, opoefc. The only current N.M. #3 Targets that I could find don't offer an apples to apples comparison.
Barry