Manufactured in 1878, the first year of production for the New Model 3 and has the early rack and gear extractor. This revolver is one of 280 inspected by U.S. Inspector Henry Nettleton that were shipped to the U.S. Government National Armory in Springfield, Ma, that were ordered by the State of Maryland Through the U.S. Ordnance Department. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address/patent dates, The heel of the butt is marked "US", and the frame under the cylinder, rear cylinder face and bottom of the barrel lug are marked "HN". The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel latch and barrel. Blade front and notch rear sights, nickel finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard and fitted with smooth walnut grips with "1878" over a "DAL" cartouche on the left panel and a "HN" cartouche and matching serial number stamped on the inside of the right panel. The accompanying factory letter verifies the rack and gear variation, 6 1/2 inch barrel, 44 S&W Russian caliber, nickel finish and smooth walnut grips. The letter also verifies the shipment of 280 units ordered by the State of Maryland through the U.S. Government and delivery to the National Armory at Springfield, Ma.

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% original nickel finish with scattered minor flaking, a few minor dings on the butt and some wear and minor pitting on the barrel. The hammer retains 50% muted original case colors and the trigger guard has a smooth gray patina with strong traces of original case colors in protected areas. The grips are fine with a small gouge on the lower left panel, a few dings on the bottoms, a few light scratches and a pleasant hand rubbed patina. The markings are sharp. The action is excellent. A nice example of a scarce U.S. Henry Nettleton inspected Maryland contract New Model 3 revolver.