The letter states that this revolver was shipped from the S&W factory on August 21, 1893 and delivered to Ross & Butler. The letter states that S&W records indicate that this New Model No. 3 Target revolver had a blue finish, 6.5 inch barrel and black hard rubber grips. The S&W records do not list the caliber. The original recipient of the letter is the respected S&W authority David Carroll. The letter goes on to state that the manufacture records do not show any of this model chambered in 38 Colt Long but the factory did chamber revolvers in this caliber both in the New Model No. 3 and the .44 DA. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame and 1 7/16-inch cylinder. The hammer, trigger and trigger guard have a casehardened finish. The black hard rubber grips are checkered with S&W monograms at the top. The revolver has a screw-adjustable target rear sight mounted on the barrel latch and a blue rectangular target front sight on the rib. The top of the rib is roll-stamped with the two-line S&W legend and patent dates. The serial number "2151" is stamped on the butt, underside of the barrel latch, rear face of the barrel rib and rear face of the cylinder. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the inside of the frame. Smith & Wesson manufactured a total of 4,333 New Model No.3 Target Revolvers between 1887 and 1910, surviving examples are scarce.

Very fine. The revolver is all original and retains 80% of the original blue and casehardened finish. There are several patches of light pitting on the barrel near the muzzle and shows minor thinning on high points. The trigger guard and hammer have strong case colors. The serial numbers and factory legend are sharp. The grips are very good. The action is crisp. This is a very good original example of a S&W New Model No. 3 Target revolver of which further research could prove bountiful especially if the caliber could be proved to be a true .38 Long Colt.