Custom New Model No. 3

[Masterpiece]

Having the correct photos changes everything..... the gun is obviously a NM#3 Frontier chambered in .44 Russian. Given that so many of this model (practically unsaleable in .44-40 throughout the period of production) are recorded as actually shipped in .44 Russian, it's as possible the chambering is original-to-manufacture as it is re-cylindered from .44-40 - depending on whether someone ordered one of the new Frontier models in .44 Russian or the factory built it for .44-40 inventory stock and later had to change out the cylinder to achieve a sale.

David,

My thoughts exactly...Only problem being...As Oldmanwesson has noted...Seems it's *Open* or *No Info Available* in the Factory Records...What a shame for a Nice Revolver!!

And Don...What's up with that "Open Open on the Records"?? Any way to confirm that without him letting us know where or how he came up with that info?? If Not...Guess we'll have to wait & see if he responds to My Inquiry about it!!

 

[BMur]

Shipping date

Amazing,
Great that it's matching. The OP has been insisting that this is a NM3 44 Russian from the start of this thread even after several members have stated over and over that it's a 44 Frontier.

I wouldn't be in the least surprised if the historical department was given the wrong information on this one!

Also, looking at the photos of the now proven matching antique "Frontier SA 44 Russian" we know it lacks the logo and caliber stamp so it was shipped prior to 1897.


Murph

 

[Oldmanwesson]

Gents,
I requested a factory letter some time ago and received a reply in the mail that "The information you are seeking on your firearm is currently unavailable." It's signed by Don Mundell. SWHF offered me a refund but that does not matter to me. Maybe one day someone will stumble across a record of it, and if they don't, my $100 is a donation to the cause. It's all good. As far as the latch is concerned, I would have to disassemble it to see if there is a number under the sight, which would mean having to disassemble the latch. I'm not keen on that part.

 

[Oldmanwesson]

This is turning into one of those late-night tv commercials - "But wait, there's more!"
So, I had another close look at the latch, and it is definitely not marked. The elevation screw makes no difference and it does not have to be disassembled. My other No3's with adjustable sights have a numbered latch. Another thing I noticed is the fact that this No. 3 does not have the rebounding hammer, which should make it a No. 3 target model, no? Finally, I compared this one to another no 3 I have which was factory restored and the blue is quite different. I have never seen one that can match the deep lustre of original factory finish.
I am posting another no. 3 I have, in 44-40 with a 5 inch barrel. It's number 1936 and has all the typical frontier markings except the caliber.
All your insights are extremely interesting, and much appreciated!

 

[Masterpiece]

As far as the latch is concerned, I would have to disassemble it to see if there is a number under the sight, which would mean having to disassemble the latch. I'm not keen on that part.

Oldmanwesson,

There's no need to disassemble anything to see if there's Ser.No. present..(See My Attached Photo as to where you'll find it in most instances)...If it's not there...Possibly on the inside of the center bar of the Latch!!

If none is found in either location it's highly possible the Latch was never Serialized at all...Not uncommon on Early Target Guns given all it took to change basically any Model Top-Break over to a Target Configuration was to fit & install a Target Configuration Rear Barrel Latch & install a Target Frt. Sight of their choice!! Being Your Revolver has the Std.Half Moon Frt. Sight...I'd have to think this Revolver was changed over in the way I described above!! Please take a look & let us know what you come up with...It would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Masterpiece]

Oldmanwesson,

Well I see...While I was typing & uploading the Photo...You've done some investigating on your end & found what I'd expected you would...The Rear Sight was likely an addition!!

One thing that is a bit odd is the fact it doesn't have a Rebounding Hammer...Most always found on a NM#3s originally built as a Targets...Hmmm...Maybe this was originally built as a Target Gun...It's really a shame this Revolver can't be "Lettered"!!

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


You don't need to disassemble anything to look for matching
numbers on the latch and barrel. The latch is numbered on its
underside and the barrel is numbered in the cutout under the
latch. You can see the barrel number if you hold the latch up
in the unlock position. See pics.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[Oldmanwesson]

Okay, here's the update we've been waiting for: The factory letter finally arrived, and it states that this gun was shipped from the "Stockbridge Street factory" on January 10, 1881, to Hartley & Graham. The gun, including the finger-spur is original as shipped. The only thing that has been changed at a later date is the adjustable rear sight - hence no number! Took it to the range a few days ago. It's a fine shooter!

 

[Masterpiece]

Okay, here's the update we've been waiting for: The factory letter finally arrived, and it states that this gun was shipped from the "Stockbridge Street factory" on January 10, 1881, to Hartley & Graham. The gun, including the finger-spur is original as shipped. The only thing that has been changed at a later date is the adjustable rear sight - hence no number!!

Oldmanwesson,

Very glad to hear a "Shipped Date" & "Shipping Destination" was finally found regarding Your Revolver!! Only question still pending is just what was it shipped as...A Std. NM#3 .44 Single-Action "Or" a NM#3 .44 Frontier Single-Action...Hmmm??

Also...Given the above...Any chance you could post the Letter?? Reason I ask is I believe there are other inquiring minds here who would like to see it as well...Appreciate if you could do so if at all possible!! Thanks in advance!!

 

[Oldmanwesson]

Oldmanwesson,

Very glad to hear a "Shipped Date" & "Shipping Destination" was finally found regarding Your Revolver!! Only question still pending is just what was it shipped as...A Std. NM#3 .44 Single-Action "Or" a NM#3 .44 Frontier Single-Action...Hmmm??

Also...Given the above...Any chance you could post the Letter?? Reason I ask is I believe there are other inquiring minds here who would like to see it as well...Appreciate if you could do so if at all possible!! Thanks in advance!!

Good question! It does not say if the gun was a target model or a regular New Model No. 3. It just says New Model No 3, but not a Frontier model.