S&W new model 3's

[s&wfan2]

A few years ago, I wrote Smith and Wesson about a couple of New model 3's that I had. I knew the history on one and some on the other. The first one was numbered 169X it is period engraved and the caliber is .44 Russian. The second one is numbered 307XX blued and is also .44 Russian. Both Smiths came with pearl grips the older one is steer head carved. When I opted for a letter from Smith and Wesson in 1992 I received answers that both weapons were sold to Takota and company, Yokahama Japan. So I'm guessing that both revolvers found their way back to the U.S.A. the early one 1886returned to the U.S.A., got itself engraved and steer head pearl grips added, and the other made in 1897 with pearl grips added.also found its way to Oklahoma territory by 1893.
I have closely scanned both revolvers with a jewelers loop and have found no Japanese anchors or markings. Could Smith and Wesson archives be wrong???????? Thanks S&Wfan2

 

[mmaher94087]

There were shipments to Japan that were never marked. Not too unusual.

 

[opoefc]

The engraving may have covered any markings, plus any markings on the original grips were lost when the pearl stocks were added, and as said above, not all Japanese delivered S&Ws got Military, Naval, Police of Prefecture markings. Ed

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I have owned several that letter as shipped to Japan. Only one had a anchor stamped on it.