Approximately 310 Smith & Wesson New Model 3 revolvers were manufactured with nickel finish, 7 inch barrels, and detachable shoulder stocks. They were shipped to Australia for the Southern Australian Colonial Police. The first shipment was for 250 revolvers was sent to Smith & Wesson's large New York distributor M.W. Robinson for the Australian Government on the December 14, 1881. Mr. Robinson had received an order for 250 Smith & Wesson New Model 3 revolvers from the Australian Government earlier in the year. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two-line address/patent dates, and the butt is marked with the serial number under an Australian broad arrow proofmark. The matching serial number is marked on the rear cylinder face, the barrel latch, and the barrel. The revolver is equipped with a pinned round blade front sight, latch notch rear sight, and checkered hard rubber grips with "S&W" logo at the tops. The stock is walnut with nickel plated attaching iron and a checkered hard rubber S&W buttplate. The stock is marked with the serial number "13099" as well as the broad arrow proof on the lower tang of the attaching iron. The lower tang has the serial number "12441" and another broad arrow property mark. The stocks were originally numbered to match the revolvers, but the majority of these revolvers that survive either have mismatched stocks or none at all. It is likely the police officers had little regard for matching serial numbers. The Australian stocks usually differed from the American stocks in that the screws entered the wood from the right side rather than the left as this stock does. The revolver is also complete with an original leather shoulder stock holster (pouch). The upper inside of the holster is marked with a large Australian broad arrow proof and "76".

Very good. 40% of the unpolished original nickel plating remains on the revolver and stock attaching iron. Both also have oxidation and pitting. This is not uncommon on Australian weapons due to the mostly coastal nature of the population especially in the late 19th century. The grips are good with an aged tone and minor marks. The stock buttplate has a matching tone, and the wood has some minor dings and light scratches. The knob on the stock retention screw is an incorrectly made modern replacement. The Australian stock pouch is fair with mild overall wear and some minor crackling. The revolver's action is excellent, and the markings are crisp.