Manufactured form 1872 to 1874. This a rare variation as it is one of only 604 Russian and American No. 3 revolvers combined factory cut for a shoulder stock, which became available upon request beginning on March 29, 1873 (see "Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 " by Robert J. Neal and Roy G. Jinks on page 169/171). It has the one-line address/patent dates marking on the rib, provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) on the butt, nicely figured walnut grips, matching assembly numbers on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel latch and barrel, and a right grip panel numbered to the gun. The original and correct S&W detachable walnut stock has blue finished iron attaching hardware and buttplate. The back strap and butt are correctly factory cut for a shoulder stock. The butt serial number is fully legible. The butt of the stock and back of the buttplate have the S&W three digit assembly number "181." Factory stocked No. 3 American 2nd Models are generally found in the over 20000 serial number range like this example. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection