RARE Smith & Wesson S&W 3rd Model Perfected, Olympic Chamber Single Shot, Blue 10” Top Break Target Pistol, Letter & Holster 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR:$1,755.00
LSB#: 150714PE01
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 3rd Model Perfected Target Pistol
Serial Number: 6666
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single and Double Action Top-Break Single Shot
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The front face of the grip frame is marked “6666”. “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 8. 01 FEB. 6. 09. SEPT. 14/ 09”. The latch is marked “6666”. The ejector is marked “6666”. The right side of the grip frame is marked “B”.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 10” in length with a full length top rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade pinned to the top rib. The rear sight is a square notch in the barrel latch that is adjustable for windage & elevation
Stock Configuration & Condition: The extension style target grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamond patterns around the upper grip screw. The grips extend about 7/8” below the bottom of the grip frame. The grips show some nicks out of the bottom edges and a compression mark in the checkering and on the rear face of the left panel. Moderate wear is evident on the checkering. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: The finish on the barrel and frame is blue; the hammer and trigger are case colored.
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its original finish. Spots of finish thinning are visible on either side of the muzzle and on the edges of the frame. A coating of handling marks appears along both sides of the barrel with a dusting of marks apparent on the underside of the barrel. Light marks are evident on the frame The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol can be shot in either single action or double action modes. The ejector works properly and the barrel lockup is rock solid. This pistol features an ‘Olympic Chamber’, in that the chamber is rifled and the bullet must be firmly seated by hand in order for the action to close. Having the bullet be engaged with the rifling when it is fired was thought to improve accuracy. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol is housed in a # 447 Heiser, Denver top flap holster. The holster is period correct for the age of the pistol. The holster is well oiled and shows one cut in the front face, along with a dusting of shallow marks. Traces of verdigris are seen at the brass fittings. The stitching is intact and the leather is dark and pliable. The holster is in Fine condition. The revolver is accompanied by a S&W factory letter dated March 7, 2012, which indicates the pistol was manufactured in 1914 and describes a test to determine the presence of the rare Olympic Chamber. We performed the test and this pistol is indeed equipped with the Olympic Chamber.
Our Assessment: This is an S&W Model 3 Perfected Target Pistol that was made between 1909 and 1923. It is a single and double action, single shot top-break pistol that has a long 10” barrel with a Patridge front sight and a square notch sight on the barrel latch that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The pistol is in about Fine condition with about 90% of its original finish remaining. It shows a few spots of finish thinning at the muzzle and thinning on the edges of the frame. A costing of handling marks is visible on the barrel, otherwise, relatively light marks are present.The checkered walnut grips extend about 7/8” below the grip frame and show handling marks and moderate wear in the checkering. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This pistol features an ‘Olympic Chamber’, which is rifled, requiring the bullet to be seated firmly by hand, as confirmed by a test described in a S&W factory letter dated March 2012, which is included in the package.. This is a very nice find for the collectors of early S&W handguns and top breaks in general.
