New Model 3 Pleasant Surprise

[TripleLock]

The rear sight shown in the OP's photos seems to be peculiar to those New Model No.3 revolvers that shipped to England. I have not seen this particular sight discussed in any of the usual sources... SCSW by Supica and Nahas, Smith & Wesson Revolvers by McHenry & Roper, Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Neal & Jinks, Smith & Wesson Revolvers by Parsons, History of Smith & Wesson by Jinks... but it does turn up in illustrations from Charles Osborne & Co. catalogs of the early 1900s (Osborne was the sole agent for Smith & Wesson in the U.K. from at least as early as 1899 until at least as late as the outbreak of WWI in 1914).

As alluded to in Jim Watson's post above, the rules for Bisley prohibited rear sights which were adjustable for elevation, and only allowed windage adjustment "with or without the use of a hammer."

Not a sight that is often seen on this side of the Big Pond.

Jim

 

[jscoffern]

I hope to never witness anyone going at a .44 with a hammer....

 

[Oldmanwesson]

I’ve looked at this revolver ever since the thread was created, and found it to be rather perplexing. Due to how the background appears, I would have not thought it to be factory engraved. Upon second glance, the engraving itself is excellent, clearly of the quality of the Young’s. My guess is that it shipped engraved, and the background was applied by the distributor in Birmingham. Simply because I’ve never seen it before and British shipped guns are prone to distributor modifications. Was the ship destination to Charles Osbourne?

That part I don't know. The factory letter only states "Birmingham".

 

[Oldmanwesson]

The rear sight shown in the OP's photos seems to be peculiar to those New Model No.3 revolvers that shipped to England. I have not seen this particular sight discussed in any of the usual sources... SCSW by Supica, Smith & Wesson Revolvers by McHenry & Roper, Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Neal & Jinks, Smith & Wesson Revolvers by Parsons, History of Smith & Wesson by Jinks... but it does turn up in illustrations from Charles Osborne & Co. catalogs of the early 1900s (Osborne was the sole agent for Smith & Wesson in the U.K. from at least as early as 1899 until at least as late as the outbreak of WWI in 1914).

As alluded to in Jim Watson's post above, the rules for Bisley prohibited rear sights which were adjustable for elevation, and only allowed windage adjustment "with or without the use of a hammer."

Not a sight that is often seen on this side of the Big Pond.

Jim

Thank you so much for all the information. This forum never disappoints! the collective expertise is amazing!! Thank you, everyone.

 

[Oldmanwesson]

Bisley rule of the period:

Back-sight: To be without screw adjustment, and of some simple pattern of sufficient solidity and strength to withstand rough usage, in the opinion of the Bisley Committee. It may consist of a sliding bar or of leaves affixed to the barrel by hinges, or of interchangeable bar fitted into a slot; and it may have a plain open notch, or open square, or open half-circle or section of a circle, or of buckhorn pattern or a plain bar. The interchangeable bars fitting into a slot may be adjusted with the aid of a hammer, but such interchange of bars and such adjustment of bar, with or without the aid of a hammer, shall not be permitted at the firing-point.

Great quote, Jim. Thank you.

 

[Art66]

What a beautiful and interesting example of S&W history!

 

[4K2022]

I only wish it was mine!

Where does the line start?

 

[bcowern]

Oldmanwesson,

My moustache stood straight out when I saw the pics of your revolver.

Would love to see a photo of your rear sight taken from the rear with the hammer out of the way and view from the top.

Regards,
bcowern

 

[iby]

Oldmanwesson,

My moustache stood straight out when I saw the pics of your revolver

Please post a picture

 

[Oldmanwesson]

Here are the pictures of the rear sight. I don't know why they always come out upside down.

 

[bcowern]

Thanks for posting the pics of your rear sight.

Regards,
bcowern