Target sights are scarce on any large frame double action S&W top-break, and any caliber other than .44 is quite rare. Offered here is a S&W .44 DA First Model Target Revolver chambered in special order .38-44 S&W Gallery caliber. In the accompanying factory letter S&W historian Roy Jinks referenced this revolver as a "Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Target, Special Production and Caliber, caliber .38-44 Smith & Wesson Gallery revolver." Jinks continued, "The records indicate that this revolver was special assembled with target sights and in the special caliber of .38-44 Smith & Wesson gallery cartridge. This revolver is one of the special large frame double actions built in a caliber other than .44 S&W Russian." It was shipped on November 26, 1895 and delivered to Hibbard Spencer & Bartlett Co. of Chicago, Illinois. Along with the target sights and .38-44 caliber, the letter confirms the 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and black hard rubber grips. The barrel and barrel latch are unnumbered. The cylinder is numbered to the gun. The revolver is listed by serial number in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" on page 109 where it is cited as one of approximately ten .44 DA revolvers factory chambered in .38-44 S&W Gallery caliber. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Very fine retaining 85% original nickel plating with a few scattered patches of deep pitting. The grips are excellent with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. As one of around ten manufactured in .38-44 S&W Gallery, this S&W .44 DA First Model Target Model revolver will certainly be a standout piece to any S&W collection no matter how advanced. You will need to wait a lifetime before another example is offered for sale!