Smith & Wesson began to experiment with revolvers chambered in .44 caliber during the Civil War in an attempt to secure military contracts. It was soon realized that their then ''tip-up'' style opening mechanism design of the Model One, Model 1-1/2 and Model 2 revolvers was weak with cartridge ejection and reloading cumbersome and thus not suited to heavy military usage. The large frame No. 3 revolver was initially developed with the U. S. Military in mind and was a complete departure from past S&W production designs as it used a strong top-break system where the cylinder remained in place and the cartridges ejected automatically when the revolver was swung open. The top-break system was invented by S&W plant superintendent Charles King, a key company employee and manager since the late 1850s. This successful design kept S&W at the forefront of revolver design for decades and was imitated by many manufacturers. In later years, King left to become shop superintendent at Parker Brothers where he continued to influence firearms design for quite some time. The accompanying affidavit from Charles King’s great grandson, FBI Special Agent John Danaher, states this unfinished revolver was originally owned by King. The state of the revolver—left ''in the white'' and lacking serial or assembly numbers, grips, lanyard ring, and front sight—gives ample evidence confirming a tool room piece that was utilized in the period of Russian military contract revolver production. Consignor research and photocopies of King’s patents for the top-break system used by S&W and shotgun designs used by Parker Brothers are also included. Provenance: Joe Leiper Collection.

Factory "in-the-white" showing an overall bright appearance with milling and polishing marks and razor crisp edges and borders. Mechanically excellent and fully functional. A one-of-kind Russian Model linked to its top-break opening mechanism inventor, Charles King, one that will be the envy of all serious S&W collectors!