Manufactured in late 1895, this revolver is a rare example of only 786 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier revolvers which were converted from their standard .44-40 Winchester caliber to .44 S&W Russian for shipment to Japan, particularly for the Japanese Navy. The included factory letter with this example lists the factory caliber conversion and that this revolver shipped with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut grips to Takata & Co. in Yokohama, Japan, on 16 January 1896. This example is marked with the standard two-line address and patent marking, including the 1871 reissue date, on top of the barrel rib. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, barrel latch, and faintly hand marked inside the right grip panel. This example does not bear any Japanese style markings, indicating that it may have been sold on the commercial market in Japan or elsewhere. It is fitted with a blade front sight and notch rear sight, as well as a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips.

Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a grey or brown patina and some scattered light pitting/oxidation, more concentrated on the grip straps. The grips are fine with some scattered light handling marks and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.