S&W Model 3???

[nascar956]

Hey guys, I have what I believe is a S&W model 3... it is in fair shape, seems to have the original grips. I traded my 686 for a few classic guns and this was one of them. It has a 6 1/2 barrel. Most of the markings are gone. If anyone has any more information on my gun it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe someone out there who knows what this gun would be worth. Thank you!

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. It certainly looks like a New Model 3 Single Action revolver. These guns came in several calibers, with 44 Russian the most common. They made about 2000 - 44-40 caliber, and 5000 44 Rimfires, while all other calibers are rare. Without markings, it might be a chore to find out which caliber this gun is. If you can supply a serial number, it could help figure out what you have and approximate ship date as well.

 

[nascar956]

Alright, after checking this thing out under a magnifying glass there are some marking on the top. This is what I can make out so far, "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA July 11 65" second line "AUC Feb 20 & Dec 17 July 1871" and what seems to be a serial number on the bottom of the handle that reads "5368".

 

[nascar956]

Yes... serial numbers is definitely 5368. Found the same number on the cylinder as well.

 

[opoefc]

If the gun's parts are original, then you will find the same number on the bottom of the latch and on the rear of the barrel between the "ears", also if the grips are original , the number will be on the back of the right panel. From your photos, it appears the gun has been rode hard and put away wet in it's past, and possible refinished years ago, but it's a real relic of the past. A factory historical letter will tell you when it was shipped, to whom and where, and the caliber. Ed.

 

[nascar956]

Yes... I found the serial number on the cylinder and the latch and there is a number on the ears although I cannot see it. I don't think it's been refinished but someone did try and clean it and did a poor job.

 

[glowe]

Most likely shipped around 1881 and with that serial number, it is not a 44-40, since the number is too high. Most likely a 44 Russian, but there were another half dozen calibers that were made in the same serial number range as the 44 Russian. As Ed states, a factory letter would ID the caliber, manufacture date, and where it was shipped.

 

[nascar956]

Weren't all the Russian models equipped with Russian lettering? This one is written in English. What would a cash value be on something like this?

 

[glowe]

44 Russian is a caliber and not the name of the revolver. This cartridge was probably the most accurate caliber made before 1900. It was first used in actual Model 3 Russian Revolvers, then in the New Model 3 Single Action and 44 Double Action revolvers.

 

[nascar956]

Anyone have a cash value for it being in the condition it's in?

 

[mrcvs]

Given the condition this one is in, I would 'guess' $400 to $500.

 

[ebeeby]

I'm looking for a parts-donar gun for my #5278

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