In the accompanying factory letter S&W historian Roy Jinks identified this revolver as a "Model 3 Russian First Model unfinished production prototype." "It is my opinion," continued the noted historian, "that this revolver was produced with the various changes requested [by the Russian government] including the locking hammer, a firing pin bushing, and changes to the barrel latch. It is possible that this was made to show the Russian inspector that the changes could be made that they requested. It also could have been a factory test sample that was later removed from the factory when the company moved to its new location in 1950. We are sorry there are no records that are available to positively identify the revolver." The barrel rib is only marked with the letter "F" in large font towards the breech. The top strap is marked "PP" on the left side and "P" on the right side. An encircled "D" is stamped on the left side of the hammer and rear cylinder face. The number "1" is stamped on the barrel latch. The lower rear frame pin is absent. The front strap has a cutout at the top. The back of the right grip panel has the serial number "9936." The butt is tapped for a lanyard ring with filler screw.

Very good as a factory prototype (or test sample, see above) with the majority of the metal surfaces having a gray patina along with a smooth dark brown patina on the cylinder and some light pitting mostly on the barrel. 20% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are fine with a few dings on the bottom and a slight chip at the toe, otherwise some scattered handling marks. Mechanically fine. A very intriguing prototype of a S&W No. 3 Russian revolver that is a must have for the serious collector.