This S&W New Model No. 3 revolver is listed by serial number in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (page 106) as issued to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service. Reportedly 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 revolver has target sights, the two-line S&W address/patent dates rib marking, right grip panel numbered to another gun, an unnumbered barrel latch, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The back strap is a mix of original blue finish and smooth brown-gray patina. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also fine with a slight chip near the top (left panel), a few minor handling marks, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a very scarce and documented U.S. Revenue Cutter Service S&W New Model No. 3 revolver.