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  • Auction Catalog #79
  • Lot #1197
Lot #1196
Lot #1198

Lot 1197: Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Lot 1197: Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 6, 2020

Estimated Price: $4,000 - $6,500
Price Realized:
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Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No 3
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32-44SW
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 3117
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 136
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured from 1887 to 1910 in the 1 to 4333 serial number range with approximately 2,930 chambered in .32-44 S&W caliber. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on October 5, 1899 to M.P. Rice. A possible contender for "M.P. Rice" is Canadian photographer Moses Parker Rice (1839-1925) who began his career in Washington, D.C. as an assistant to famed Civil War photographer Alexander Garnder and is the subject in the great debate surrounding the identify of the photographer who took the "Gettysburg Portrait," a head on photograph of President Abraham Lincoln taken two weeks before his Gettysburg Address at Garnder's studio. Although this photo is generally attributed to Garnder, the copyright on the negative is marked "M.P. Rice," leading others to believe that Rice took the famed portrait of Lincoln. It has target sights, single line barrel rib marking, 1 7/16 inch cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The correct and proper S&W box is numbered to the gun and features a .32-44 Target end label. Also comes with a bore brush and "The Revolver and Its Use" booklet published by U.S. Cartridge Co.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 97% original blue finish showing some faint speckling of brown mostly on the back strap and very limited spotting. 98% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with repairable split lid corners and minor wear. Nearly all of the end label remains.



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