I need help about a Model 3 American Martial

[Opossum]

I recently picked up a old Model 3 American. The serial number is 5604. An old factory letter (Dated to Nov. 2009) shows that the gun was shipped to M.W.R on September 1871. The barrel & cylinder do not match the serial number 5604 on the butt. The barrel has an oil hole and "US" is stamped on the top rib. The cylinder has a small "A" and "P" stamped in the flutes. Number "710" on the barrel latch is also under the right side grip on the frame. The barrel has been cut to 5 inches. The number "N9" is on the cylinder and latch. There is also a small "A" on the left side top barrel strap. Could the number "710" be a serial number? This is my first post, so please excuse confusion.

-Nolan D.

 

[DWalt]

Definitely a Model 3 American first model at that SN. The oil hole should be there for the first 1500 guns. The US marking would also be on the barrel rib of the earlier Army guns. I don't know if Army barrel assemblies were serial numbered, but if so, the SN 710 would be consistent with transplanting an early Army first model barrel assembly onto a later #3 first model frame (probably civilian). Are there any other markings visible anywhere?

 

[Göring's S&W]

The number 710 is an assembly number, and it should be on all parts. The SN at that time was not on all parts of the gun, AFAIK. I ran into this situation once with a Russian model, and I thought the gun was mismatched, but I learned about the assembly numbers.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. There are several locations to check to determine if the gun is matching or not. First, take off the wood stocks and look for a number stamped on the butt frame. That number should match the number on the back of the cylinder, the underside of the latch, and the number behind the latch between the ears of the barrel top strap. The only places you will find the serial number is on the butt and inside the right stock. If everything matches, you are good to go, if not, you still have a Model 3 of interest to many collectors.

 

[Opossum]

The gun has a small cylinder catch screw and an early square trigger tip. There is a"P" on the right side barrel forward of the hinge. It's a shame that the barrel and cylinder do not have serial numbers. I mentioned an earlier fact that a letter (Dated Nov. 2009) was sent to a collector in south Texas. He had a research note suggesting that a cavalry officer purchased a civilian model and had a 8" barrel. He changed out for a shorter one more manageable likely by the unit's armorer. I do not know this gentleman. He is a former Texas Ranger and weapons historian, according to his note.

If you would like, you can contact me at [email protected]

 

[opoefc]

The "P" is the US proof mark. It's correctly there in the right place for a US revolver. The assembly number of your gun is 710 and it's on the correct places, it's not a shame that the serial number isn't on the barrel & cylinder if you understand the way these guns ( all all other S&Ws of the period,) were made. The assembly number, N9, kept fitted parts identified for assembly after they had been fitted and then disassembled for bluing, etc. Serial number were stamped AFTER the guns were reassembled and ready for final inspection and fitting of the grips. The "research note" doesn't hold water. Buy the gun, not the story. Ed.