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  • /Lot 320

Lot 320:Presentation Inscribed S&W Model 3 Russian Revolver

November 30th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
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  • /Lot 320

Lot 320:Presentation Inscribed S&W Model 3 Russian Revolver

November 30th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$14,000 - $22,500
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Very Fine Documented American West Presentation Inscribed Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Second Model Revolver

Offered here is a S&W Model 3 Russian 2nd Model featuring a presentation inscription on the side plate which reads, "Thomas Cooper/from U.S. Geol. Survey for/Fidelity & Courage in rescuing/property from/Indians/1875." The revolver is documented in the accompanying book "Firearms of the American West, 1866-1894" by Garavaglia and Worman on page 295. The authors explain the historical significance behind the inscription: "Cooper accompanied several western geological survey parties and in 1875 was chief packer with that headed by William Henry Holmes. On the night of August 28, as the party was camped near the Utah-Colorado border, Indians attempted to steal their horses. Cooper was awakened by the sounds of the moving stock, investigated, and suddenly came upon a crouching Indian but 'soon had the marauder and his companions running away to the sound of his fire.'" In the 1870s, Civil War veteran Thomas Cooper (1850-1915) had five years of service with U.S. government commissioned geological surveys of the West led by famed geologist Dr. Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden. Known simply as Hayden's Surveys, these pioneering expeditions of the Rocky Mountains in the late 19th century encouraged westward expansion and convinced Congress to pass legislation creating Yellowstone National Park. Hayden Valley in Yellowstone is named in his honor. Archaeologist, artist, and museum director William Holmes served with Hayden's team from 1872 to 1879. In 1875, Cooper was accompanying Holmes when the incident which led to the presentation of this revolver occurred. The barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking ending in "RUSSIAN MODEL." The butt has provisions for a lanyard ring and is marked with a "SH" inside a diamond indicating that this revolver was purchased and subsequently marked by Schuyler Hartley & Graham.

ConditionVery fine, retaining 95% original nickel finish with some loss at the sides of the muzzle and some minor flaking. The inscription is crisp. Traces of muted case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine showing typical age cracking on the bottoms and an area of worn checkering (right panel). Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
ModelRussian
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 S&W Russian
Barrel7 inch solid rib
Finishnickel
Gripantique ivory

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2423
Catalog page137
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