This highly attractive, highly sought after New Model No. 3 Target revolver features fine scroll engraving by noted S&W Master Engraver Oscar Young as well as a documented special order 4 inch barrel. In the accompanying factory letter S&W historian Roy Jinks identifies the style 2 engraving as by Oscar Young which at the time cost an extra $5.00. In the letter the "special 4 inch barrel" and S&W pearl grips are also confirmed as factory by Jinks. As indicated by the factory records, the revolver was shipped on September 6, 1900, and delivered to Eben C. Sodentown (no address listed). It is not often that we catalog 19th-early 20th century S&Ws shipped to an individual, as it was standard factory practice to ship to an official S&W distributor. At this time, Eben C. Sodentown unfortunately remains unidentified. Oscar Young was one of three sons of S&W Master Engraver Gustave Young who created some of S&W's most extravagant embellished pieces. Gustave's sons worked at his side and eventually succeeded him as S&W factory engravers. Oscar remained with the company until his death in 1912, and his engraving style typical followed his father's motifs using tight scroll patterns as clearly seen on this example. The scrollwork covers 75% of the surface. The inscribed "HR" is a non-factory inscription that appears on the underside of the partially replated frame in the immediate area of the frame. The 4 inch barrel is rare on any New Model No. 3 as the standard length was 6 1/2 inches. The revolver also features target sights, the one-line barrel rib address, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. The barrel latch is unnumbered. The New Model No. 3 Target Model is found in the serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, only 1,413 were chambered in .38-44 caliber. The revolver is pictured in Dean Boorman's "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" on page 108 and on the cover of the 3rd edition of Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson." Provenance: The William Scott Collection; The Supica Collection

Very fine, retaining 85% plus original nickel plating with spots of frosting and surface oxidation visible overall. The engraving is crisp. 40% of faded original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. This Oscar Young S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver will make a great addition to any S&W or firearms art collection.