Offered here is a S&W No. 3 Russian 3rd Model Revolver featuring excellent quality New York period scroll engraving on punch dot background covering 90% of the surface. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish when shipped on May 13, 1877 and delivered to Schuyler Hartley & Graham of New York City. Schuyler Hartley & Graham likely furnished the engraving and pearl grips. The right grip panel features a relief carved Mexican eagle. The butt has a large "A.C." stamping known to be a Mexican distributor marking. The revolver would have certainly been a fitting presentation piece for a wealthy businessman or rancher in Mexico, and certainly has the look of a well-traveled firearm that spent a lifetime in the harsh climate south of the border. This finely engraved S&W did not sit in a locked drawer! Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The revolver was featured on the cover of the February 1997 issue of Gun Journal (issue included), pictured in Jesse Hardin's "Old Guns and Whispering Ghosts" on page 134 and Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" on pages 22 and 54 in the 2nd edition and page 63 in the 4th edition, and Dean Boorman's "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" on page 105, and displayed at the NRA Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) Exhibit 2015. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Fine as period New York engraved and exhibiting a classic as found untouched original patina while retaining 40% of retailer applied nickel plating in the protected areas. The engraving is crisp overall. The grips are very good and show similar character with wear and chips from spending a lifetime in a holster and in the hand. Mechanically excellent. A well-traveled but well-maintained sidearm that is a physical link to the past.