New Mod.3?

[Exmilcop]

My latest acquisition. The overall condition of this pistol is phenomenal. The bore, chambers, mechanics, and trigger are all flawless. Some bluing remains in the protected areas and the color case hardening is still evident on the hammer. Which model do I have and does the 7" barrel add or detract to the value? The lanyard ring suggests part of a foreign order I believe. Sadly, the pivot pin is a replacement and the cylinder serial number is off by 136 (ser.#9276 and cylinder #9140). There are no numbers or marks on the wooden grips but they're in excellent condition, considering their age. Any observations or comments are more than welcome.

 

[Exmilcop]

Hi There,


That is not a new model. It is a Russian Second Model (a.k.a.
Old Model Russian). The 7 inch barrel was standard for this
model. The mismatched cylinder may be from an arsenal re-
build.

These were sold to several countries. The Russians were marked
in Cyrillic (Russian) but other countries had the English markings.
The key is the end of the markings. Some said "Russian Model"
and others (that objected to having "Russian" stamped on their
guns) end with "Reissue" (and the patent date).


Cheers!
Webb

Thank you so much! Mine has the "reissue" and the barrels stamp is in English, not Cyrillic. As I mentioned the condition on this is astounding. I don't think it saw a lot of use, one indicator being the condition of the wood grips. I had assumed, given the cylinder serial number, that it was not neglect but something from its history.

 

[bobsguns]

Beautiful gun!!!!

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


Boy, I have been making some real boners lately. I will blame it
on the colonoscopy (and the anesthesia) I had today.

Yours IS a New Model #3. The finger rest on the trigger guard
threw me.

My apologies to you and all here.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

I haven't seen a serial number, but I'll guess that this revolver was shipped to Japan. The mismatched cylinder is a common Japanese arsenal swap. A paperback publication (out of print) "The Japanese Chose the Smith & Wesson", Allan, 48 pgs., has a listing of known (at the time) NM #3's sent to Japan. Since around 90% of the NM #3's were shipped there, one has a good chance of finding the "ship to" information.

 

[iby]

NM3

The 7" barrel, the Russian trigger guard, wood stocks, long ejector housing and mis matched cylinder all point to Japanese provenance
Edit.. and the lanyard ring

 

[iby]

I don't think 90% went to Japan

 

[Exmilcop]

The 7" barrel, the Russian trigger guard, wood stocks, long ejector housing and mis matched cylinder all point to Japanese provenance
Edit.. and the lanyard ring

Having done some further research based on the points you made, I found the Japanese naval anchor mark, so for sure this was part of the Japanese contract. Thank you!

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

I don't think 90% went to Japan

iby is correct. According to History of Smith & Wesson by
Roy Jinks, copy write 1977, Pg. 94:

"The Japanese government through their agent Takata &
Company, purchased approximately one third of the total
production..."

And it goes on to state on Pg. 100 (in the section on the NM#3
"Frontier" Model):

"...the decision was reached to convert these models
from the .44 Winchester caliber to .44 S&W Russian and
sell them to Japan to help fill an order. The conversion
was made by the replacement of cylinders, and by 1896,
the factory had converted approximately 40 percent of the
total production and sold them to Takata & Company for
use by Japan."

Have you measured the length of your cylinder to see if it is one
of the converted Frontier models?


Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

iby is correct. Only 30-40% went to foreign countries.

Exmilcop, your revolver was shipped in 1879 to H. Arens & Co. for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The shipment was for 600 and appears that they all had 7" barrels, shash hooks, blue and lanyard rings. Serial numbers of this shipment were 9001-9600

 

[LostintheOzone]

Very nice relic. You're lucky to have found one in that condition. I've wanted one for a long time but just not willing to pay for an original. I would really like to shoot it. Still looking for the 5'' model repro.

 

[Exmilcop]

Have you measured the length of your cylinder to see if it is one
of the converted Frontier models?


Cheers!
Webb[/QUOTE]
Even as I was reading your post, I realized that among all the steps I'd taken in my research, that was the one thing I'd neglected to do. Having remedied that, the cylinder is 1-7/16" so it's not one of the re-worked .44-40's.

 

[Exmilcop]

Very nice relic. You're lucky to have found one in that condition. I've wanted one for a long time but just not willing to pay for an original. I would really like to shoot it. Still looking for the 5'' model repro.

I have no idea as to fair market value. RIA sold one a while back with perfect blue and all matching numbers for near to six and a half grand in your dollars. Obviously mine is in more cosmetically reduced condition but still mechanically excellent. Up here? I have no idea what the market would bear.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

I have no idea as to fair market value.

Well, it looks like you've decided on what its fair market value is.
I see that it is up for bids on GunBroker (Item # 1071685585).
I wish you good luck in your endeavors.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[Exmilcop]

Hi There,





Well, it looks like you've decided on what's it's fair market value is.
I'd looked for, and found, some exemplars that helped me determine a value. I'd bought it to sell since pistols like that are scarce up here and I don't think the auction house was aware that it was a Japanese contract piece as I'm sure they'd have emphasized that in the description. If it was a 1st. mod.DA in that condition and caliber, I'd have never let it go. I may be reaching some with the asking price but I am willing to dicker somewhat. Am I too far out of line for a 1 of 600 and possibly of interest to collectors of Japanese or naval or military firearms?

 

[iby]

NM3

There is one similar for sale on the internet for $3300