Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 35,796 New Model No. 3 Single Action revolvers between 1878 and 1912 of which about 40% were exported to fill contracts with several foreign countries. This particular revolver was manufactured in 1882 and was one of a ten gun special shipment to the United States Treasury Department. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, 44 S&W Russian caliber, checkered hard rubber grips, blue finish, 6 1/2" barrel and that it was shipped as 1 of 10 New Model No. 3 revolvers to the U.S. Government Treasury Department by express to Captain George W. Moore, U.S.P.M., Wilmington, Delaware on October 7, 1882 with 1,000 cartridges. The other nine serial numbers are also listed in the letter. George W. Moore opened the Moore Post Office in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania in January of 1882 which is a small Borough located in the southeast corner of Pennsylvania between Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address/patent and reissue dates. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and on the barrel latch. The inside of the right grip panel is numbered to another gun and the left is unmarked. All blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips.

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% plus original blue finish with muzzle and high edge wear, and areas thinning and flaking showing a smooth brown patina. There are a few minor scratches and dings. The sides and protected areas of the hammer retain most of the original case colors. The grips are also very fine with a few minor dings and handling marks, with crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A rare special order U.S. Treasury Department shipped New Model 3 revolver that would be extremely difficult to improve upon in terms of condition and rarity.