Manufactured prior to 1899, these revolvers were cataloged into the early 20th century, but all frames were reportedly produced prior to 1899. This is an exceptionally fine example of a special ordered Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 with a desirable 4 inch barrel, rather than the 6 1/2 inch which was standard. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, ending with 1880. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, the rear face of the cylinder, and on the bottom of the cylinder latch. The right grip is hand marked "1787" inside and the left grip is marked with the "78" patent date at the bottom. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, a fixed notch rear sight, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with the Smith & Wesson monograms at the tops. Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection