Offered here is a historic Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model revolver that was presented to Confederate General Loring by firearm patent holder W.C. Dodge in 1876. The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, butt swivel and grips and states that the nickel plated revolver was shipped on June 5, 1876, to W.C. Dodge of Washington, D.C. and "appears as if the revolver was cased by Dodge and not the factory." For antique Smith & Wesson collectors W.C. Dodge needs no introduction. No more than ten years before this revolver was shipped, Smith & Wesson bought the W.C. Dodge patent numbers 45,912 and 45,983 in 1869. The patents were for a barrel latch and hinge, which allowed Smith & Wesson to manufacture its first large caliber metallic cartridge revolver, the No. 3 American Model. The No. 3 was introduced in 1870 and proceeded Colt's first large caliber metallic cartridge revolver, the .45 caliber Colt Single Action Army revolver, that was introduced three years later. Dodge's patents are represented on the barrel rib of S&W No. 3 series of top break revolvers as "Jan. 17 & 24 65," just as this revolver is marked. As stated, this revolver was presented to General Loring. Dodge's acquaintance with General Loring is confirmed in an included handwritten personal letter to General Loring. In the letter, Dodge references this revolver as being sent to the general and instructs the general in how to properly use the sidearm. Dodge noted that the general was in Egypt, a country that the inventor expressed interest in visiting, and assumed that the general would be able to find additional cartridges beyond the box of cartridges that were originally sent. Smith & Wesson, explained Dodge, had contracts for the Model 3 Russian with Turkish and Egyptian governments, thus making availability of cartridges in Egypt promising. But if the cartridges could not be obtained, then the general was to use the reloading tools that Dodge originally sent with the revolver. These tools are included with this lot. "These cartridge shells can be reloaded," explained Dodge, "and fired many times and I send a bullet mould reloading tool for that purpose." He assured the general and the Khedive of Egypt that the gift was not a bid "for a contract either for myself or others. It is purely complimentary-simply as I state-as a specimen of American invention and mechanical skill." But added: "I shall of course be highly pleased if his highness shall see fit to recognize the invention by any little thing or work which I may retain as a family keepsake-either official or private-of course that is wholly for him to decide." General William W. Loring served in the armies of the United States (1846-1861), the Confederacy (1861-1865), and Egypt (1869-1878) before passing away at the age of 68 in 1886. The general was born in South Carolina, and at the age of 28 joined the then newly formed Regiment of Mount Rifles created to protect the Oregon Territory. The regiment saw heavy action in the Mexican-American War that left the general wounded three times. His most serious injury required his left arm to be amputated. In 1849, the general took command of the Oregon Territory and engaged in numerous skirmishes with the Native Americans. At the age of 38 he was promoted to the rank of colonel and had the distinguish of being the youngest colonel in the army. The general left the United States in 1859 to travel across Europe and to study the military tactics of the recent Crimean War. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, the general sided with the South, stating, "The South is my home, and I am going to throw up my commission and shall join the Southern Army, and each of you can do as you think best." Given command of the Confederate Army of the Northwest, Loring was promoted to brigadier general and was ordered to defend Virginia from Union forces. He received the nickname "Old Blizzards" due to his battle cry of "Give them blizzards, boys! Give them blizzards!" The general was known for his insubordination, often clashing with superiors that escalated to General Jackson threatening resignation. On July 28, 1864, the general was wounded at Ezra Church, and remained out of action until that November. Following the aftermath of the defeated South, the general served in the army of Isma'il Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt. He was one of fifty Union and Confederate veterans who joined the Egyptian army after being recommended by General William Tecumseh Sherman. The general was in charge of the modernization of Egyptian coastal defenses and was later named chief of staff. After the disastrous campaign against Abyssinia, which the Egyptians blamed the American officers for, the general returned to the United States. It was during his time in Egypt that Dodge presented the general with this revolver. The revolver has the one line address and patent dates marking ending in "REISSUE JULY 25, 1871." Nickel finish with niter blue hammer, barrel latch, spur trigger guard and screw heads. The butt is marked with the serial number, the letter "P" and "1874." The matching serial number appears on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel and barrel latch. The partitioned case is lined in blue velvet and a presentation plaque on top of the lid. The presentation inscription reads, "Presented/to/Gen'l Loring/by/W.C. DODGE,/INVENTOR/1876." As stated, reloading tools are included in the case.

Very good as period replated. The revolver retains of the nickel finish showing some cycling marks on the cylinder. There is some extensive minor pitting under the heavily polished nickel plating. The small parts retain most of the niter blue finish. The grips are very good showing age cracking and a small missing surface chip near/on the bottoms. Action functions with some slight play in the cylinder. The case is fine with some minor handling/storage marks and high spot wear on the lining. All of the accessories are very good as replated to match revolver. Apparently Loring must have loved this revolver as the condition exhibits, but it is a very historic Smith & Wesson Revolver with extraordinary casing and impeccable documentation!