Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 2265

Lot 2265:Conlin's Factory Engraved/Gold S&W New Model 3 Target Revolver

December 1st, 2018|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 2265

Lot 2265:Conlin's Factory Engraved/Gold S&W New Model 3 Target Revolver

December 1st, 2018|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$16,000 - $25,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare and Historic Factory Engraved and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was shipped on November 5, 1892, to James Conlin in New York City, and falls in a group of special order New Model No. 3s with target sights. These revolvers are found in the upper 27000 and lower 28000 serial number range and were presented to famed marksman and Wesson family friends which include such noted figures as Walter Winans and Annie Oakley. James Conlin was a world famous target shooter and owner of a New York shooting gallery in the 1880s-1890s. He competed with some of the best target shooters of the day and was, himself, the inspiration behind the naming of the Stevens-Conlin No. 38 pistol. While the factory records do indicate the exact specifications of this special order revolver it clearly exhibits original factory gold plate with 60% coverage factory intertwined foliate arabesque pattern engraving on a punch dot background. The engraving was almost certainly executed by famed Master Engraver Gustave Young who was hired as the S&W factory engraver in 1867. Young produced some of the most exquisitely decorated S&Ws to ever come out of the factory. In addition to the engraving and deluxe finish, this revolver also has target sights, smooth pearl grips and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder and barrel. It is only 79 serial numbers apart from the nearly identical Gustave Young engraved and gold plated Annie Oakley presentation New Model No. 3 Target revolver housed at the Gene Autry Museum in California. For comparison purposes serious collectors may wish to reference the well known engraving book, "Steel Canvas" (R. L. Wilson), which features color photos of the Oakley New Model No. 3 on display in the museum.

ConditionVery fine, retaining 70% original gold plating with the balance having flaked to a smooth gray patina. Some original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine with a small chip missing near the top (right panel), otherwise minimal handling evidence and highly attractive color. Mechanically excellent. A truly wonderful and historic example of a Gustave Young factory engraved New Model No. 3 Target revolver shipped to famed target shooter James Conlin. Part of a limited special order grouping, this revolver will be hard to improve upon. A must have for the serious S&W collector!
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Model3
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 S&W Russian
Barrel6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finishgold
Grippearl

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views4989
Catalog page132
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3107Smith & Wesson No. 3 "American" Second Model Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3117Gold Plated Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 1125Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver
View Lot
Lot 82A. Oakley Smoothbore Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver
View Lot
Show More