Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3, .44 Single Action Target revolver with S&W factory letter. The letter describes the revolver as nickel-plated with 6.5-inch barrel, checkered black hard rubber grips and adjustable target rear sight. The letter states that this revolver was shipped from S&W to Mr. A.C. Gould of Boston, Massachusetts on December 10, 1887, and notes that Gould was a target shooter who was one of the founders of the modern pistol course of fire. The revolver has a nickel-plated barrel, cylinder and frame and casehardened hammer, trigger and trigger guard. The trigger face is knurled. A blue screw adjustable, target rear sight is mounted on the rear latch and a blue pinned target front sight is mounted on the rib. The distinctive round butt is fitted with black two-piece hard rubber checkered grips with the S&W monogram. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped with the two-line S&W legend and patent dates with Maltese Crosses at either end. The serial number "22477" is located on the butt, the rear face of the cylinder, on the inside of the barrel latch and on the bottom of the rear sight. All of the visible serial numbers match. Two sets of numbers are very lightly scratched on the bottom of the butt; these markings are non-factory and the significance is unknown. The S&W New Model No. 3, .44 Single Action revolver was the first S&W fitted with factory target sights. New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers are scarce and desirable.

Very good. The revolver retains nearly 85% of the nickel-plated finish with some scattered flaking on the right side of the barrel, grip straps, edges of the frame and cylinder. The hammer, trigger and trigger guard have more than 90% of the dove-gray case colors. The black hard rubber grips are very good-excellent with sharp checkering. The barrel markings and serial numbers are crisp. A previous owner has scratched in a number above and below the serial number. The action functions perfectly. This is a very good example of a scarce S&W New Model No. 3 Single Action Target revolver.