The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver had an 8 inch barrel and smooth walnut grips when it was shipped on June 24, 1872 as part of a 120 gun shipment to M.W. Robinson Co. of New York City. The revolver is currently fitted with checkered period grips that were likely supplied by the M.W. Robinson Co. The back of both grip panels are marked with the partial gun serial number "996." This example has the standard half-moon front and notch rear sights, the one-line address and patent marking followed by "RUSSIAN MODEL" on the rib, lanyard ring on the butt and the matching assembly number "B45" on the cylinder, barrel and barrel latch.

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 90% bright original high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. The hammer and trigger guard retain 90% original case colors. The grips are fine showing some age cracking on the bottoms and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian First Model revolver that is seldom encountered in this high state of condition.