Manufactured prior to 1899, this is a fine example of Smith & Wesson's New Model No. 3 special ordered in "Russian" configuration. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .44 Russian caliber with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, adjustable target sights, Russian trigger guard, blue finish, and checkered hard rubber grips when it shipped to an unreadable address as a single gun shipment on 7 February 1900. The letter also notes that a significant number of these New Model No. 3 revolvers were ordered in Japan and Turkey, with the Japanese firm Takata & Co. purchasing approximately one-third of total production. The standard one-line address is marked on top of the barrel rib, with the Smith & Wesson trademark on the right of the frame. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, cylinder latch, and hand marked inside the right grip panel. It is fitted with a pinned beaded blade front sight, adjustable notch target rear sight, "Russian" pattern trigger guard, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with S&W monograms at the tops.

Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish and 50% of the refurbished case colors on the modified, sectionalized trigger guard, with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of minor pitting on the barrel and cylinder, and a heavy cylinder turn line. The grips are also fine showing an attractive chocolate tone with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.