The accompanying factory letter confirms the 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut grips as well as being shipped on September 16, 1880 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City. This was an 11 gun shipment. The factory letter further states, "This revolver is listed on the invoice as memoranda for W&C Scott & Sons, London, England...The PR & S Joint Patents marking indicates that the revolver was supplied at no charge to W&C Scott to be submitted as a reference patent model for Smith & Wesson protecting the company's patents in England." The PR&S marking referenced in the letter is stamped in the frame well, below the cylinder: "P R & S/JOINT PATENTS/C11272." London proofs are on the barrel and cylinder. Barrel rib has the two-line S&W address/patent dates marking. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Very good retaining 30% original blue finish and patterns of original case colors on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips show similar character associated with heavy use. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting S&W New Model No. 3 revolver used as a reference patent model in England.