Smith & Wesson No. 3 Target Single Action revolver manufactured c.1887. The revolver is accompanied by a S&W factory letter that states while there are no specific records for this revolver, the serial number places it within a group of No. 3 Single Action Target revolvers chambered for the .32-44 and .38-44 S&W cartridges. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and round-butt frame with casehardened hammer, trigger and trigger guard. The revolver has two-piece ivory grips. The barrel latch is fitted with a screw-adjustable target rear sight. A pin-fastened blue target front sight with steel bead is mounted on the barrel rib. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped with the S&W legend and patent dates in two lines with a Maltese Cross at either end. The serial number "27966" is stamped on the bottom of the butt, rear face of the cylinder, rear of the barrel rib and underside of the barrel latch. All of the visible serial numbers match. Smith & Wesson No. 3 Target Single Action revolvers are scarce particularly chambered for the .32-44 S&W cartridge.

Very good. The revolver retains about 80% of the original high polish blue finish with thinning on the sides of the barrel and grip straps. The case colors on the hammer, trigger and trigger guard remain but are mostly now a silver-gray patina. The barrel legend and serial numbers are sharp. The grips are good. The ivory has an aged yellow patina and there is discoloration on the back of the grip and around the grip screw escutcheon. There are several hairline cracks on the left grip and some small chips along the edges of both grips. Action functions perfectly. This is a very good example of a caliber .32-44 S&W No. 3 Target Single Action revolver.