Offered here is a rare special order S&W New Model No. 3 target revolver with interchangeable .38-44 and .44 S&W Russian barrels. The 6 1/2 inch barrel is chambered in .38-44 S&W, has rare 1 9/16 inch cylinder, and has the caliber and the one-line S&W address markings. The .44 S&W Russian barrel has been shortened to 3 1/2 inches during its service life, an added blade front sight, and caliber and partial one-line S&W address markings. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver "was specially built for J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and shipped to them on May 25, 1901." In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks commented, "It is my opinion that the handgun was a special order for one of Stevens' key customers or shooters." No other details are provided in the letter. Both barrel assemblies are numbered to the gun as the matching serial number is stamped on each barrel and cylinder. The shared single barrel latch is also numbered to the gun. The revolver along with its second interchangeable barrel is pictured in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (4th edition) on page 120 and where the authors noted the rarity of this set. "At least one NM#3 Target Model is believed to have been special ordered w/ a spare barrel of a different length. At least one is known to have been shipped w/ a spare barrel and cylinder in a different caliber" (page 120). The revolver wears S&W checkered hard rubber grips with the right panel numbered to the gun. Includes a June 1992 dated letter from renowned firearms dealer Norm Flayderman offering this two barrel revolver set for sale. Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; The Supica Collection

Very fine. The frame retains 80% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The shortened .44 S&W barrel assembly retains 85% original blue finish and the .38-44 S&W barrel assembly retains 70% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 85% original case colors remain on the hammer, and strong patterns of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine.