This is an exceptionally rare experimental No. 3 Russian revolver S&W built at the request of the Russian military. In the early 1870s, Smith & Wesson received a series of orders for .44 caliber No. 3 revolvers from the Russian government. Between 1871-1874 S&W delivered some 150,000 of the three various No. 3 models to the Russian military, making the Imperial Russian government S&W’s number one customer. As 1871 drew to a close, Russian Model production was in full swing, but the Russian inspector, Captain Ordinetz, was not fully pleased with the design. He believed the recoil from firing would force the revolver upwards, causing the sidearm to rotate in the operator’s hand. He therefore requested the factory to experiment with different grip designs. The first experimental grip revolvers were designed having an extra sharp curve that bent the grip inward towards the trigger guard. The second experimental revolvers featured a knuckle, or saw handle, at the top of the back strap. Ultimately, a finger rest incorporated on the trigger guard was accepted by the Russian government and was used on the 2nd and 3rd Model contract revolvers. Offered here is an experimental No. 3 Russian featuring a more extreme bend of the 1st type in the grip angle and a square butt. This revolver is pictured in S&W historian Roy Jinks’ 1977 book “History of Smith & Wesson” on page 74. The barrel rib is stamped with the S&W Cyrillic marking without the double headed Russian eagle as commonly seen on the regular production examples. Due to this revolver's experimental status, in lieu of a serial number, the letter “R,” which stands for "Russian," is stamped on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The grip panels are of highly figured walnut, obviously a deluxe treatment provided by the factory for the Russian inspector’s observation and study at that time. For more information see www.russianrevolvers.com. Provenance: Richard Capps Collection, Joe Leiper Collection.

Excellent, retaining 70% original high luster blue finish with the balance a smooth untouched blended brown patina. Most of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with only minor handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. A historically significant experimental No. 3 Russian that provides a physical link to S&W’s successful relationship with the Imperial Russian government. A one-of-a-kind must have for the serious S&W collector!