Offered here is a S&W No. 3 American Second Model Revolver with a seldom seen 7 inch barrel. The standard barrel length for this model was 8 inches. In the accompanying factory letter (copy) S&W historian Roy Jinks states the revolver was "probably sold on January 2, 1873 and delivered to the M.W. Robinson Co., New York City, NY. This shipment contained 100 units of the Model 3, 60 units were the American Model and 40 units were of the Model 3 Russian First Model. The shipment does not list any barrel lengths. Mr. Robinson's company had a standing order with the factory to take whatever Model 3s were available to be shipped to him. In this time frame the factory did list some shipments of 6, 6.5, and 7 inch Model 3 Americans." In our May 2023 sale we sold another 7 inch No. American Second Model revolver from this same shipment (lot 91). Also included with the letter is a copy of the S&W factory ledger page for this revolver. The barrel has the one-line legend ending with the 1869 patent date. The butt has provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw). The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly number "226" appears on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Noted collector, firearms historian, and author Charles Pate has estimated that no more than 50-75 American models were produced with 7 inch barrels out of a total of over 30,000 manufactured.

Very fine, retaining 75% plus of the bright original polished blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The trigger guard has faded to an attractive gray. The hammer retains 50% original case colors. The grips are also very fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An absolute "must have" American Model rare barrel length example that will more than complete any S&W No. 3 collection!