Offered here is a highly desirable and exceptionally rare factory documented "Club Gun" serial number "C1". "Club Guns" are a special group of handguns S&W gave or loaned to factory personnel, shooting clubs and/or notable shooters as samples or test guns. These highly prized guns were generally assigned zero serial number prefixes, but early production guns are found with the serial numbers containing the letter "O" or the letter "C," as is the case with this revolver. While faint, the "C" in the serial number on the butt remains visible under magnification, and the "1" was restamped when it was returned to the factory in 1944. The left side of the grip frame has an October 1944 factory return date ("10 44") and a factory "B" diamond refinish mark. The cylinder and barrel are numbered to the gun. As stated in the accompanying factory letter, this revolver was listed as part of a 6 unit lot consisting of serial numbers 0C, 0C and C1 through C4. According to the factory records, 0C was listed twice and are two different revolvers built for the same shooter. Revolvers C1 through C4 are New Model No. 3s with 7 inch barrels. This revolver was personally delivered to Albert Smith by Joseph H. Wesson, the youngest son of D.B. Wesson and leader of the S&W factory revolver shooting team that won four first place trophies at the National Sportsman's Exposition in March 1897. Smith was a S&W factory employee and was a member in Wesson's prize winning shooting team. Unfortunately, the factory records do not list finish, sights or shipment date; however, historian Roy Jinks says in the letter that he believes the revolver was built in the late fall of 1898. Also of note are the revolver's contrasting features to a standard production New Model No. 3 Target. First, the revolver has a more tapered barrel. Second, the ejector housing is longer and squared off on the bottom. Third, it has an ejector cam design usually found on New Model No. 3s of the 1890s. Comes with a copy of Roy Jinks and Sandra Krein's "Images of America, Smith & Wesson," which is signed by Jinks with the salutation "Hope you enjoy reading about S&W's history. Best Wishes, Roy Jinks" followed by a list of page numbers in the book referencing S&W's factory shooting team. A team photo in the book clearly shows Albert Smith as a member (pages 64-65 and 68).

Exceptionally fine, retaining 99% of the factory reapplied blue finish showing some light spotting. Nearly all of the case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also very fine with some minor handing marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A historic "club gun" New Model No. 3 target revolver worthy of the finest S&W collection!