This is a very interestingly assembled S&W New Model No. 3 revolver linked to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and International Target Shooting Champion and New York Police Officer William E. Petty. The frame carries the serial number 26196. Based on information provided in the accompanying factory letter, no. 26196 was shipped on June 27, 1890, and delivered to the U.S. Government. As S&W historian Roy Jinks explained in the letter, "The revolvers in this serial range listed as going to the United States Government are generally believed to be for the United States Revenue Cutter Service." No. 26196 is listed in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (page 106) as falling in the 26192-26210 serial number range of known New Model No. 3s issued to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service. Around 140 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolvers were purchased for the Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor of the Coast Guard, between 1890 and 1894. The cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch carry the serial number 28094. In the accompanying factory letter, no. 28094 was chambered in rare special order .45 caliber. In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks noted, "The exact .45 caliber is not listed, however it is listed with a group of .455 caliber revolvers shipped to England." No. 28094 was not shipped to England as confirmed by the factory letter. According to factory records, the host revolver was shipped on September 7, 1896, and delivered to noted target shooting champing William E. Petty of New York City. Shipping to an individual occurred only in special cases, usually when the individual was a prominent person like William Petty. Petty was one of American's best revolver target shooters, is known to have been a huge fan of S&W, and used the New Model No. 3 in many winning matches. Petty also served with the New York City Police Department. Petty started the first organized police marksmanship program for the NYPD when future U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt was the NYC Police Commissioner. The revolver has target sights, the two-line S&W address/patent dates rib marking, and unnumbered right grip panel. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Fine as assembled (see above). The frame retains 40% original blue finish and the cylinder and barrel retain 70% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The hammer and trigger guard retain 90% refinished blue finish. The heavily worn grips are good. Mechanically excellent An intriguing .45 caliber chambered S&W New Model No. 3 revolver linked to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and noted target shooting champion and progressive New York Police Officer William E. Petty with many untold stories.