Model 3 .44 Russian Questions

[policerevolvercollector]

I have a chance to buy the gun in the pics below. The serial number is 39352 and "1874" high on the sideplate. There is also "SH" near the serial number. I'm a Model 3 newbie obviously. So, any info/history would be appreciated.

Thank you!!

 

[NewDeparture]

Looks like a Model Three, 3rd Model Russian. As per SCSW, the SN points to an early commercial gun, and not one from a military contract. A picture of barrel markings would be useful.

SH markings are the initials of Schuyler Hartley Graham, a distributor S&W to whom your gun could have been shipped (IIRC, some of the SH marked guns went to other distributors as well).

I don´t know about the "1874" markings. Pictures will be helpful.

 

[Camster]

The grips don't appear to match the gun for condition.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

My understanding is the 3rd Models were all marked 1874. Sorta the 1874 Model. Mine is stamped 1874 inside a box on the butt.

 

[mmaher94087]

SH was actually Schuyler Hartley. Graham wasn't there yet. Usually the SHG mark is found in a diamond on the butt by the serial number with the 1874 in a rectangle.

 

[Trafficboss]

My Model 3 Russian (SN 39083) has the "1874" stamped rectangle on the left side at the knuckle and the "SH" stamped diamond on the butt, near the serial number. I suspect that the walnut stocks are original to the gun that you are considering, and if so, should have a matching "39352" serial number. The cylinder, grip frame and latch should have matching assembly numbers. Based on the pics and assuming the serial numbers and assembly numbers match, and assuming the top of the barrel is marked in English (and not Cyrillic) the revolver appears to be an original Commercial model.

 

[jleiper]

The 1874 in a rectangle mark is a Schuyler Hartley mark. There were 1875 and 1876 stamps made as well, but no one, to my knowledge, has seen those marks on a revolver.
The 1874 mark is not just seen on 3rd Models, but very late 2nd Models as well.
2nd Model commercials were manufactured along side 3rd model commercials. All had assembly numbers (except military contracts marked "reissue"). 2nd Models were assigned a serial number in a block 32801-39000. 3rd Models were serialed from 39001 up to about 50000. From 50000 up to the end of the block -
52500 - you find 2nd Models again - the overflow from the early 32801-39000 block. At least 2 of these overflow 2nd Models have the 1874 mark. Also interesting that both of the overflow 2nd Models in my data have 8 inch barrels.
Joe