Smith & Wesson S&W 3rd Model Number 3 .44 Russian 6 ½” Blue SA 6-Shot Revolver MFD Ca. 1874, ANTIQUE

Sold For: $2,585.00

LSB#: 170318AL10

Make: Smith and Wesson

Model: .44 Number Three Russian 3rd Model

Serial Number: 47226

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1874

Caliber: .44 S&W Russian

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action Top Break, Self Ejecting Revolver

Markings: The rear face of the cylinder, the underside of the barrel latch and the rear face of the top strap under the latch are marked “7900”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked with a boxed “1874” over “47226”. The underside of the frame and barrel hinge have high definition to the directional arrows. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT JULY 10.60.JAN. 17.FEB.17.JULY 11.65 & AUG.24.69 RUSSIAN MODEL”. The right side of the grip frame is marked “7900” and the inside surface of the right grip is marked “47226”.

Barrel Length: The barrel has a full-length top rib and is 6 ½” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight a Patridge style blade fixed to the top of the barrel (A characteristic of the 3rd Model). The rear sight is a square notch fixed to the front of the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth lacquered fancy walnut on a round butt grip frame. The grips have been refinished, showing a few runs in the surface and several light marks under the finish. There is also a sharp ding in the bottom of the left grip and three light dings near the bottom of the right grip. There are no cracks or chips noted and the grips fit the frame well. The grips are in about Very Good overall condition and match the gun well despite the lacquer.

Type of Finish: The revolver is blued.

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is very light erosion at the muzzle and in spots sprinkled over the bore from the muzzle back about 2”.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its original metal finish. There is blue remaining throughout, though thinning and often under a very thin patina. There are scattered patches of surface erosion, but nothing terribly unattractive. There are a few small dings scattered over the left sideplate and the backstrap and a few light scratches scattered over the right side of the frame and the front strap. The cylinder has a light drag line and there are tool marks around the sideplate screw heads. The barrel latch shows light wear in its knurling while the hammer knurling is sharp. The screw heads show light marks from a screwdriver. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, including the ejector. The barrel and cylinder lockups show a barely perceptible amount of play. The trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver has a trigger guard spur and a lanyard ring at the bottom of the grip frame.

Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson .44 Russian Model Number Three Russian 3rd Model, made in 1874 with a blued finish. It has a 6 ½” barrel with a trigger guard spur and a lanyard rig at the bottom of the grip frame. The revolver has matching assembly numbers on the barrel, barrel latch, cylinder and grip frame, and the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame matches that stamped into the underside of the right grip. This revolver is in about Fine condition with a good amount of finish remaining with a mix of natural age. The bore is gray with sharp rifling and spots of light erosion near the muzzle. The action works correctly in all respects and the barrel and cylinder locks show barely perceptible play. This is very nice find for the collectors of Smith & Wesson and other early American revolvers. With holster and handling rub wear accounting for most of the surface losses, a full life of duty carry is brought forth. We wish we could hear its stories of the 1870’s and 80’s in which it had primal superiority.