Help ID this pristine firearm

[Judgesherpa]

Thank you for your post. I in no way meant to disrespect any and all the great people who gave me information on my revolver. I felt as though I was questioning the local gun smith's opinion, and not contradicting the experts here. Apparently you misunderstood me, and I fear others may as well. I do not feel as though anyone was "dogging" it either. That never entered my mind. I appreciate all the information I have received.
Including your professional words. Thank you

 

[Buford57]

Welcome to the forum. Many refinishers make the awful mistake of bluing the hammer and trigger. Whoever worked on your revolver knew better. We look forward to the results of your letter request.

 

[DWalt]

Hi
38 S&W caliber

Who said that? It may be a .38 caliber but not .38 S&W.

Here is a completed sale for one: Smith & Wesson S&W .38-44 -- Model 3 Target Single Action Revolver Antique | Lock, Stock & Barrel Investments

 

[GHJ]

This .38-44 is not to be confused with the very hot loaded other .38-44 of the 1920's and 1930's, the precursor of the .357 magnum.
The earlier .38-44 was a long cased round based on the .38 S&W of the 1870's, not the .38 special. The bullet is loaded deep into the case and when loaded in the cylinder would almost reach the end like the later 7.62 Russian Nagant gas seal revolver cartridge. Midrange load was 20 grains of black powder and 146 grain bullet and the gallery load was 6 grain black powder behind a 70 grain round ball seated on the powder.

GHJ

 

[Judgesherpa]

Hello everyone,
I have received the letter from S&W.
It reads:
The info you supplied identifies the revolver as a New Model No 3 Target.
This model was introduced in 1887 and manufactured until 1910 with a total production of 4,333 revolvers. This model was designed on our .44 single action frame at the request of Ira Paine, world famous target shooter. The revolver was manufactured in both .32-44 and .38-44 calibers as a target arm. 6.5 inch barrel in both blue and nickel finishes.

We have researched your S&W New Model No. 3 Target, caliber .38-44 Target, revolver in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number 3079 was shipped from our factory on may 18, 1897, and delivered to Hartley and Graham Co., New York City, NY. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 6.5 inch barrel, adjustable rear target sight, equipped with the Russian style trigger guard, blue finish, and checkered black hard rubber grips.
We trust that the information furnished will be helpful as well as of interest to you.

Well, that's it. Sorry it took me this long to send in the check. LOL

 

[model3sw]

I missed the letter update on this one. Case closed.