Which Model 3 variant?
- Thread starter Carolinas
- Start date
Serial number range
There it is again. That 16,000-17,000 serial number range. It’s an interesting subject. Especially when you find a serial number range that coincides with a variation found. Like they happened at the same time pulled from the same pile.
If you’re still with us would you mind checking the bore? Is it .430? That would be correct for the Russian. Or is it .440? That would be correct for the American.
Murph
The grips had another serial number as well.
There it is again. That 16,000-17,000 serial number range. It’s an interesting subject. Especially when you find a serial number range that coincides with a variation found. Like they happened at the same time pulled from the same pile.
If you’re still with us would you mind checking the bore? Is it .430? That would be correct for the Russian. Or is it .440? That would be correct for the American.
Murph
Last edited:
I’ll get it out before I leave and put the calipers in the barrel. Probably be tomorrow but great call. I don’t believe it is sound enough to shoot. The cylinder is sloppy and the latch doesn’t hold it tight and play in it. The shell extractor seems weak not sure if it’s the same spring.
American Express
I apologize I should have caught this earlier but I’m old and my memory is starting to go south.
It’s also very possible that these 6” barrel 1st model Russians were part of an early Express contract. I have very lengthy notes on Express guns.
The earliest contract for American Express I’ve confirmed was cap & ball Remingtons. Photo 1
The next contract was early 44 Americans about 300.
Followed by early 1st Model 44 Russians about 400-500 Photo 2&3
These 6” Russians could have been part of the next contract and would have been property stamped on the back strap like the Schofields Photo 4.
American Express was very consistent in “Removing” Express markings after the gun was retired from service and often sold to distributors to be sold to the general public. So finding an example with the marking e tact is almost impossible.
Often Express guns are found BROWN, rusty, heavily worn and miss matched from being cleaned and/or repaired by the Express Co gunsmith in numbers throughout their long service.
Can you also look closely with a loop on the back strap for any remains of a property stamp?
Photo 5. You can see my 6” barrel has an assembly number very close to yours. The First model Russians are suppose to have numbers that match the serial number but I think there were exceptions.
Murph
I apologize I should have caught this earlier but I’m old and my memory is starting to go south.
It’s also very possible that these 6” barrel 1st model Russians were part of an early Express contract. I have very lengthy notes on Express guns.
The earliest contract for American Express I’ve confirmed was cap & ball Remingtons. Photo 1
The next contract was early 44 Americans about 300.
Followed by early 1st Model 44 Russians about 400-500 Photo 2&3
These 6” Russians could have been part of the next contract and would have been property stamped on the back strap like the Schofields Photo 4.
American Express was very consistent in “Removing” Express markings after the gun was retired from service and often sold to distributors to be sold to the general public. So finding an example with the marking e tact is almost impossible.
Often Express guns are found BROWN, rusty, heavily worn and miss matched from being cleaned and/or repaired by the Express Co gunsmith in numbers throughout their long service.
Can you also look closely with a loop on the back strap for any remains of a property stamp?
Photo 5. You can see my 6” barrel has an assembly number very close to yours. The First model Russians are suppose to have numbers that match the serial number but I think there were exceptions.
Murph
