Nearly all of the 4,333 New Model No. 3 Target revolvers were chambered for .32-44 and .38-44, but this example is confirmed to have been shipped as a Target Model in .45 caliber to Osborne & Co. in Birmingham, England, on June 29, 1900. The letter speculates the revolver was specifically designed for the .455 Mark I cartridge then widely used in the British Empire. It is numbered in the standard New Model No. 3 series not the target series. New Model No. 3 frames aside from the .38-40s have been confirmed to be pre-1898. The revolver appears to have been sent from England to India where it was retailed by Manton and Company. Most American firearms sold in India were initially shipped to England where they were proofed. The revolver has a thicker than standard blade front sight and an appropriate notch rear sight. The barrel has the one-line address on top that became standard in mid-production. The serial numbers match throughout. The right side of the frame has the trademark, and small British proofs are on the cylinder and barrel. The butt of the left grip is stamped "35," and the bottom of the right has a hand marked "S." It comes in a hardwood case with Manton and Company retailer label, cartridge block, oiler, key, cleaning rod, patching and other material, and an antique bottle of lubricant.

Fine. 80% plus of the period possibly retailed refinished blue finish remains. There is some slight oxidation and patches of gray and brown patina where the finish has flaked. The hammer is mostly bright on the sides and has strong niter blue on top. The grips are very fine and have crisp checkering and only minor marks. The action functions excellently, and the markings are distinct. The case is very good and has some minor storage wear on the exterior and some tearing and staining of the interior lining.