Introduced in 1878, the S&W New Model Three came factory standard in a 6 1/2 inch barrel and fixed sights, but longer barrels and more accurate sights were available on a special order basis. This example has an special order 8 inch barrel, the longest available from the factory, and is fitted with a one-piece ramp Patridge blade replacement front sight and an adjustable square notch rear sight on the barrel latch, with the one-line Springfield address on top of the rib and "+44 S.&W. CTG+" on the left side, casehardened hammer and trigger, and period custom replaced checkered hardwood grips.

Very fine as partially refinished/period customized with 90% of the blue finish, showing bright gray along the high edges, a mixed brown and gray patina on the grip straps and mild handling marks overall. The cylinder is refinished. The barrel latch is unnumbered and the barrel is only numbered "9", though the finish is comparable in age and wear to the frame; if they are replacement parts, the replacement was done early in the revolvers service life. Grips are very fine with a few dings and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.