model 3 help

[1908reeves]

I have a model 3 serial #377xx in 44 Henry, can anyone tell me when it was made. Also it has initials carved into the inside of the grip, is this something done by the owner or someone at the factory. Any other info would also be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[deadin]

Reeves,
First off, Welcome!! Next, I think we are going to need a picture or two to be able to help you out. Are you sure it is in 44 Henry Rim Fire? This chambering is fairly scarce and could be in several different #3 Models. Most likely it is a 3rd Model #3 Russian, but only pictures will tell for sure.

 

[opoefc]

Dean is right, we need some pictures. The serial number is too high for the American Model No. 3 , so it's probaby a 3rd Model Russian as some of them were made in .44 Henry Rimfire, for both commercial sale and to fill a contract with the Turkish military. Is the gun round butt or square butt? Wha are the exact stampings on the top of the barrel rib? Ed #15

 

[deadin]

SCSW3 even shows 44 Henry RF available in the New Model No.3, but I have no idea just how scarce it is in that model.

 

[Ballarat]

I go with ed, the serial number is too high. Check all the numbers again. She is from the pictures a late model 3 with the fourth type gas collar. Last serial for this type was serial 32800. Serial number does not add up to known examples.
The rimfire models are sort after units, this one has got me stumped. Not sure what to say, is she serial numbered, or is she carrying assembly numbers, if so what are they and are they matching? She should carry assembly numbers only.
I am intrigued let us know what more you find out.

 

[deadin]

Ballarat,
Where are you seeing pictures?
The serial given could fall within the 3rd Model Russian range.

 

[1908reeves]

I checked the serial # again and it is correct and it is on the bottom of the butt. the top rib reads "smith & wesson springfield mass. u.s.a. pat. july 10. x0. jan. 27. feb. 17. july 11. 65 & aug. 24. xx" the "x" means I could not read the #
There are no other #s visible.

 

[deadin]

Well, that sure looks like a 2nd Model American but the given serial number doesn't fit with the published ranges.
Time for a letter (send with pictures) to the S&W Historian.

 

[opoefc]

1908 Reeves, Check the serial number stamped inside the back of the right grip panel. There are only two places on a American Model where the serial number is seen = On the butt & on the back of the right grip ( if the grips are original). The gun is an American model, 2nd type, and the barrel stamping is correct for an American model. I'll bet that 1st digit is a 2 and not a 3 in the serial number. Post some more picts of the butt and the back of the right grip panel. Ed #15

 

[Ballarat]

From what I have seen I would also suggest she is probably serialed in the 30000 to 32800 range. Eds on the right track. Which according to Pate it could well be a Rimfire American model 5th issue. Ship dates April 1874 to Dec 1875. Interlocking hammer and if you have a copy of Pates American model book the barrel and gas collar fit with what is on page 275 third type. Standard 3rd model American components. Pate page 294 refers. Interlocking hammer and barrel catch from about 30000 for the rimfire to 32800.

 

[1908reeves]

grip

I took the right grip off and found that the # there is 317xx on the butt the one looks almost exactly like the seven next to it. I plan on getting a factory letter for it, and I am pleased that you prompted me to look at the grip # as I would have sent them the wrong serial # and wasted $50.
I was told this pistol was worth restoring even in the condition it is in, but I dont want to do anything with it until I check everything I can about the history of it.
The initials F.J. are carved into the inside of the left grip, and Frank James was known to have carried one like it. It is a longshot but if it was his it would make a huge difference in its value.

 

[Ballarat]

1908reeves. Congratulations you have a rare 5th issue rimfire American model revolver. my previous post gives you approx shipping dates. Letter it, will add value.

Note for deadin, think I unwittingly caused you some confusion with my original post, what I meant was a late model 3 American based on the second type frame, with the
3rd/4th type gas collar and barrel breech variation.

Rgds

 

[Ballarat]

1908reeves, Gday again,
Would strongly urge you to buy a copy of Charles W. Pates book the Smith&Wesson American Model. It has a wealth of information regarding the early model 3 American and variations. Available at Amazon for about 50 bucks plus postage.
Would be interested to know how you came across this piece, gunshop, auction etc just for my personal interest. When you get the bug on these early models, it bights you hard like an addiction.
The FJ inscription, I wish for your sake that provenance can be proved, but it will be a long task, suggest you start at the Frazier Histrical Arms museum in Louisville Kentucky which houses some of the James gang stuff. They did use a great variety of weapons including Colts as well as S&W Russian models, and Schofields as well as New model numbers threes.
Your revolver may have been shipped to M.W. Robinson of New York City, however another by the name of Wexel & Degress also dealt in these rimfire Americans.
Would urge you not to have the gun refinished, a general clean-up etc yes, suggest David R Chicoine of Old West Gunsmithing would be able to help you there, he is an expert on the old Smiths.

Best Regards and good luck.
Bob