This revolver is one of 2,072 originally chambered in .44-40 WCF. Many of these revolvers were converted by S&W to .44 Russian cartridge, a more popular cartridge for New Model No. 3s at the time to be able to sell the Frontier Model to a wider audience. A total of 786 converted Frontier Models in .44 Russian were shipped to the Japanese government. The included factory letter (copy) confirms the 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and black hard rubber grips. Although the letter states .44-40 caliber, the records do not always reflect all examples that were changed to .44 Russian prior to their original sale. This revolver has a single step .44 Russian cylinder. The letter also states the revolver was shipped on July 22, 1892,and delivered to J.P. Lovell & Co. of Boston, MA. The barrel rib has the standard two-line legend and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% plus bright original nickel plating with mild usage wear. Patterns of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.