Manufactured in the ultra-rare 38-40 Winchester caliber, of which only 74 total were made. According to the included factory letter, this New Model Number Three Revolver was shipped 19 March 1908 to "Schoverling, Dale & Gale" of 302 Broadway, New York City, in 38-40 Winchester caliber with blue finish, 6 1/2 inch barrel and checkered walnut grips. Presuming "Dale & Gale" is a typo, then the arm was shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales of New York City, the firm responsible for establishing the Charles Daly trade name. The 38-40 Winchester was a "dual-purpose" round, marketed for both long guns and revolvers, a field where it was outshone by it's parent cartridge, the 44-40 Winchester. As a result, it was a virtually special order item for the New Model Three, with only 74 made in total as part of an independent serial run, placing this arm near the very end of production. Blade front and notch rear sights, with the one-line, Maltese cross flanked address on top of the rib and matching numbers on the latch, barrel, cylinder and butt. The hammer and triggerguard are casehardened, with factory checkered walnut grips. Provenance: The Gary Garbrecht Collection.

Fine. The finish loss on this revolver is a result of improper storage, not use and abuse. The revolver exhibits 75% plus original blue finish, showing areas of mixed brown patina, concentrated on the right side and underside of the frame, a few scattered thumb-sized patches of pitting, and mild handling marks. Strong, bright case colors remain on the hammer and triggerguard, with silvering on the remainder. Grips are very good, with minor pressure dents. Mechanically excellent. A hole to fill in even the most advanced S&W collections.