Manufactured from 1878 to 1912, the New Model 3 was an improved design of the original Model 3, Smith & Wesson's first top break, automatic ejection revolver. Top of barrel rib is marked with the two line address and patent dates "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN 17 & 24. 65. JULY 11. 65./AUG 24. 69. APR 20. 75 FEB 20. & DEC 18. 1877 REISSUE JULY 25. 1871." The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel latch and breech end of the barrel. Paine-blade front and square-notch adjustable rear sight, blue finish with casehardened hammer and Russian Model finger-spur trigger guard and fitted with rare checkered walnut grips. The shoulder stock was added to the revolver after it was finished, but prior to original sale, it is walnut with blue attaching iron and checkered hard rubber S&W buttplate. The accompanying factory letter states that the disposition records are "open", showing no shipment destination and that the revolver was sold sometime in the 1890s, and delivered to unknown sources. The records indicate that it was shipped with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Shoulder-stocked S&W revolvers are extremely scarce and desirable, especially those in blue finish as most manufactured were nickel-plated. Charles Duffy Collection.

Very good as partially refinished (grip strap). The revolver retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some muzzle and high edge wear, thinning to mixed-gray on the barrel, top of the rib and the grip straps. There is some minor flaking on the cylinder and frame. The hammer retains 80% original case colors and the trigger guard has a smooth mottled gray patina with traces of case color in the protected areas. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and sharp checkering. There is a slight bulge in the barrel approximately 3 inches from the muzzle. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. The stock is excellent with 85% original blue finish on the attaching iron, with minor finish loss due to flaking. The wood shows a few minor dings and handling marks.