New Model #3 DA top break

[Trapper69]

Folks, I would like to tap into the vast storehouse of knowledge that you have acquired over the years. I've tried to upload the pictures a number of times but I keep getting a message that I'm missing a security token, so I will prevail to give an accurate description as possible. Its a top break, blued, in 44 Russian with a 5" barrel, none adjustable sights and the bakelite grips, double action and the serial number is 1215 on the back of the cylinder, as well as on the lock for the top break to the main frame. The issue I'm having is the serial number on the bottom of the grips, the serial number has had a 1 hand stamped to it. so its reading 1215 1. So any info you can pass on would be great. And it turns out I figured out how to add photos

 

[iby]

The extra 1 is stamped on the grips or the metal grip frame?

 

[Trapper69]

Its on the grip frame, it does not appear to be factory as the new #1 stamp style is of a different font, if that sounds correct

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! It is possible the gun was used by an LEO or security firm. The extra 1 could be a rack number. Maybe a letter would document that it shipped to one of those.

 

[iby]

Now you know how to post
Pics?

 

[mmaher94087]

Trapper69, the butt serial number is 1215 and factory. As Guy stated above, the extraneous '1' is probably a rack number assigned and stamped by an agency for inventory control. This is sometimes seen on these revolvers. My rack number is 1785.

 

[Trapper69]

So the pistol is indeed a new model #3 DA? I purchased the pistol on a online auction and was just going by their description. Any idea as to year of manufacture, the reason being is that it is a Canadian restricted and therefore registered pistol and I would like to possibly have it reclassified as an antique, but I would only proceed through the process of getting a letter from SWHF and then trying to get the RCMP to reclassify it, if you think the pistol is of the correct vintage, that it was manufactured prior to 1898. A thank you to all.

Original post did not contain photos as i believe the file I was trying to upload was simply to large.

 

[Exmilcop]

If it's in .44 Russian you'll have to contact the verifier with pictures and dimensions, particularly the cylinder, serial number, barrel length, etc. and have him do the paperwork and submit it to the RCMP. If the cylinder is 1-7/16" and there's a case mouth stop in the chambers, it's a good bet that it's in .44 Russian. I had the reverse problem. I got a lovely pistol that was supposed to be in .44 Russian. It turned out to be in .44-40 so I had to have it re-classified as "restricted". It only took 4 months!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Per the US BATFE, all Model #3 Double Action frames were made before 1899. With the serial number of yours, it was made well before 1898. But you probably need a letter to document it for your authorities.

 

[Trapper69]

Exmilcop, thanks for the info and again thanks to all whom gave freely of their time and knowledge..

 

[iby]

That serial # would indicate early 1880's production.
It appears to be re-finished.
(the hammer screw stud has been sanded flat)

 

[opoefc]

NM#3 DA in .44 Russian caliber, ser. # 1215, was made July 15. 1881, according to the manufacturing logs. A factory letter will tell you when it was shipped, if needed. Consult with exmilcop on best way to handle Canadian gun laws, etc, He's an expert ! Ed

 

[Club Gun Fan]

To help my friend up north. It shipped in October 1887.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

By the way, the only number you should use is the one on the butt.