Inherited an old gun...looking for info

[bigdaddyz]

Hi Forum!.

I recently inherited an old pistol and thought maybe you experts could help identify and put a ballpark value on it.

The action works fine but I can't seem to get it to break open.

The only marking I see are:
1. a numeral 3 on the lanyard (the part that the ring goes through).
2. ML in front of the lanyard on the frame part of the butt
3. On the back of the cyl there is a 3, a circle with ELG* in it and looks like a T with a star over it.
I'll have to look again but there is a line about patents. I forgot what I wrote that on.
But...Part of it I remember was
4. The second date of the patents was Nov 24 63


Thanks for any info you can share.

 

[wmd1940]

Big, I'm sure the experts will chime in shortly.
It would be helpful if you could post the markings on top of the barrel rib and any others you happen to see.
Nice gun, per the SCS&W it looks like a Third Model Russian aka Model No. Three Russian 3rd Model.
Bill

 

[DCWilson]

The rust and pitting will hold down the value of that gun. You need to get it started soaking in some serious penetrating oil like Kroil or Corrosion X, then clean it up with toothpicks and toothbrush to dig out any rust that is in there deep. Some of the interior pieces may be affected too, but if you say the action works OK, maybe it's not too bad.

Probably the reason you can't open it is either that the release latch on top is rusted shut, or the pivot point or extractor mechanism are rusted into position. The penetrating oil will help with that, but don't just put some on and try to force it open five minutes later. Soak it down and let it sit for a week or two. Touch up the oil in the interim if it seems to be running off. This is the kind of gun that, if I wanted to save it, I would do a complete teardown and cleanup on a part by part basis. If you are not comfortable with that approach (and you shouldn't be unless you have done gun disassembly before and have access to a complete diagram for S&W 19th century breaktops), then have an experienced friend do it and take him out for a big steak dinner afterwards in thanks.

You can't make this gun better than it is, but you can keep it from getting measurably worse.

I agree that it resembles a Third Model Russian, but I'm not actually sure that this is of S&W manufacture. There are couple of screws missing that you would see on a S&W. I can't even see the sideplate outline on this revolver, which makes me think the entire side lifts off to expose the lockwork. Something just feels wrong here. If you can make out any stamps or inscriptions on the gun, it would be helpful to hear what they are and where they are located.

EDITED TO ADD: Sorry, I was so fixed on the image that I didn't see you had reported some of the markings already.

Can you post a picture of the right side? And do you know what caliber it is chambered for?

 

[Pisgah]

I think the ELG proof may be the tipoff that this is one of the many foreign copies of S&W revolvers, this one Belgian (ELG is the Liege Proofhouse proofmark). Could be wrong, though.

 

[opoefc]

That's not a Smith & wesson revolver. It s a foreign copy of the 3rd Model Russian, proofed at the Leige, Belgium proof house. It could have been made in Belgium, France, Germany or other European locations and then proofed at Liege, a common practice of the period. These are not always junkers, and are an interesting fringe area of S&W collecting. As said above, a thorough cleaning, etc. would be helphful and can be in educating exercise. Ed #15

 

[depicts]

You might have to half-cock the hammer before the latch will open to get to the cylinder. Then the screw on the top of the top strap turns to remove the cylinder.

 

[bigdaddyz]

Awesome information guys.
My most heartfelt thanks to you all.

Matt

 

[Ballarat]

Its an interesting piece, but as Ed says its not a S&W. I enjoyed the pic. Thanks.