Manufactured in 1888, this is an unique, likely one-of-a-kind example of an early production, special ordered, Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolver. Being the Target variation of the New Model No. 3 alone makes this revolver quite rare, with only 4,333 of the Target model being produced between 1887 and 1910. However, this specific revolver is also a two-digit serial number, has a special ordered sight, was shipped to a named individual, and is chambered in an extremely scarce caliber. The included factory letter with this revolver lists it as a New Model No. 3 Target with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, special ordered in the .320 S&W rifle cartridge, a "special" front sight, adjustable target rear sight, nickel finish, and black hard rubber grips when shipped as a single unit to John E. Martin of New Haven, Connecticut. None of the defining Smith & Wesson literature, such as that by Jinks, Parsons, or Roper makes mention of the .320 S&W Rifle cartridge as a chambering for the New Model No. 3 Target, and the writer is not aware of any other examples in existence. "The Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahas briefly mentions the caliber as an available chambering in the model, but does not elaborate any further. It is likely that the individual who ordered this revolver did so to pair with a Smith & Wesson Model 320 revolving rifle they already owned. Though unconfirmed, period articles from New Haven and Hartford provide a couple possibilities for the identity of John E. Martin. One of these is as a police officer "John Martin" noted as shooting a "man-eating" dog with a revolver. The other potential candidate is listed as John E. Martin, an actor performing at Proctor's Opera House in Hartford. The revolver itself has the standard two-line address and patent marking on top of the barrel rib. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and the cylinder latch. It is fitted with a special ordered German silver blade front sight, correctly fitted in the groove cut in the barrel rib, and with the correct, matching number, fixed notch rear sight like the standard New Model No. 3. The factory letter noting an adjustable target rear sight appears to be an error, as these fixed sights were standard on the early production Target models, before the introduction of the adjustable notch. It is also fitted with a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with the S&W monogram at the tops.

Good, retains traces of the original nickel finish in sheltered areas with the balance a mixture of grey and brown patina and some mild pitting scattered throughout. The well-worn grips are fair with a large chip absent from the bottom of the right panel and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare, possibly one-of-a-kind, special ordered Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolver chambered in .320 S&W Rifle!