Manufactured: 1892-1895 S/N: 27731
The Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 stands among the most influential revolvers ever produced. Introduced in 1878, it represented the culmination of Smith & Wesson's famous No. 3 top-break revolver series and became one of the finest large-frame single-action revolvers of the late 19th century. Renowned for its strength, reliability, and innovative automatic extraction system, the New Model No. 3 earned worldwide recognition among military organizations, law enforcement agencies, target shooters, frontiersmen, and sportsmen alike.
This example is chambered in the historically significant .44 Russian cartridge. Developed jointly by Smith & Wesson and the Imperial Russian military in the early 1870s, the .44 Russian introduced an internally lubricated bullet design that dramatically improved accuracy and reduced fouling. The cartridge became one of the most accurate revolver cartridges of its era and later served as the direct predecessor to both the .44 Special and the legendary .44 Magnum, securing its place in firearms history.
Unlike modern swing-out cylinder revolvers, the New Model No. 3 features Smith & Wesson's revolutionary top-break action. Depressing the barrel latch allows the barrel and cylinder assembly to pivot downward, simultaneously activating the automatic star extractor that ejects all spent cartridges at once. This system made the No. 3 one of the fastest revolvers to reload during its time and represented a major advancement in revolver technology.
Manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts, this revolver bears the correct Smith & Wesson barrel address and patent markings of the period and remains an excellent example of the company's renowned 19th-century craftsmanship. The revolver features a blued steel finish, fluted six-shot cylinder, walnut grips, and the classic large-frame profile that made the No. 3 famous throughout the American West and abroad.
The New Model No. 3 was produced in relatively limited numbers compared to later Smith & Wesson revolvers and remains highly desirable among collectors of Old West firearms, antique revolvers, early Smith & Wesson firearms, and historically significant American handguns. Its innovative engineering and direct connection to the development of the modern .44-caliber revolver family make it an important addition to any advanced firearms collection.
Features
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: New Model No. 3
- Caliber: .44 Russian
- Single-action revolver
- Top-break action with automatic star extractor
- Six-shot fluted cylinder
- Steel frame and barrel
- Walnut grip panels
- Springfield, Massachusetts manufacture
- Serial Number: 27731
- Antique firearm manufactured prior to 1899
Whether you're a dedicated Smith & Wesson collector, Old West enthusiast, Civil War and frontier historian, or collector of early American firearms, the Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 in .44 Russian represents one of the most iconic and mechanically innovative revolvers of the 19th century.
Antique firearm. Please inspect all photographs carefully to evaluate condition, originality, markings, and overall configuration prior to bidding.
