In 1878 S&W introduced the New Model No. 3, and it was an instant success. Its design drew on handling and mechanical improvements from its popular predecessors, the American, Russian and Schofield models, and spawned a series of wide ranging variations, including a target model that dominated target competition in the late 19th century. For many gun historians, the New Model No. 3 was simply the finest single action revolver design of the 19th century, easily beating out the Colt SAA for the top spot. All frames for these revolvers were manufactured prior to 1899, which makes the gun an antique, but they were cataloged into the early 1900s as seen with this example. The New Model 3 serial number range is 1 to 35796, with this example, no. 35796, being the highest number New Model No. 3 S&W manufactured. Thus, it is a historic revolver that closed the chapter on one of S&W's most popular and influential designs. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on June 1, 1908, and was delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City. In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks states unequivocally, "This was the last New Model #3 manufactured." The revolver has the scarce 8 inch barrel and the longer top strap to accommodate the 1 9/16 inch cylinder. The barrel rib has the late production one-line address. The left side of the barrel is stamped "44 S&W CTG." The grips are checkered walnut. The matching serial number appears on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance, some dings on the barrel and butt, and a few patches of pitting on the cylinder. The slightly undersized grips are good with a series of dings on the butt and wear along the top of the checkering. Mechanically fine. This historic last production S&W New Model No. 3 Revolver brought an end of an era to one of S&W's most popular designs. A must have for the serious S&W collector.