Value of a S&W model 3 russian
I didn't want to try and load a bunch of photos, but here is the link to my Photobucket album. I have been trying to get a couple of opinions on the value of the gun. http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/ngf74/SWGun/
The Roy Jinks letter part 2 says,
"Model 3 Russian Third Model
Page 2
Smith & Wesson produced a special group of this model which were serial numbered within a
separate serial number series from that which had been established for the Russians. This serial
number series ranged from 1 to 9,000 and the barrel marking is as described above without the
words "Russian Model", and in its place carries the wording "reissue July 25, 1871 ".
This particular variation is referred to by the collectors as the Model 3 Russian with a reissue
barrel stamping. Approximately 3,000 of this type were sold through commercial channels, and
the remaining were produced for Japanese and Turkish orders as these countries were at war with
Russia and objected to the words "Russian Model".
We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Third Model, Commercial Reissue
Variation, caliber .44 S&W Russian, revolver in company records which indicate that your
handgun, with serial number 270 was shipped probably from our factory on October 5, 1877, and
delivered to M. W. Robinson, New York City, NY, Smith & Wesson's largest distributor. The
records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 6.5 inch barrel, nickel finish, butt swivel,
and smooth walnut grips. This shipment was for 20 units. The pearl grips and engraving were
probably added by Mr. Robinson Company to fill a special order. This model is very difficult to
research based on the fact that there are several serial number series. We feel after our review we
have selected the most probably shipping information. Based on the pictures you included, it
appears as if this revolver has been refinished.
We trust that the information furnished will be helpful and of interest to you."
The Roy Jinks letter part 2 says,
"Model 3 Russian Third Model
Page 2
Smith & Wesson produced a special group of this model which were serial numbered within a
separate serial number series from that which had been established for the Russians. This serial
number series ranged from 1 to 9,000 and the barrel marking is as described above without the
words "Russian Model", and in its place carries the wording "reissue July 25, 1871 ".
This particular variation is referred to by the collectors as the Model 3 Russian with a reissue
barrel stamping. Approximately 3,000 of this type were sold through commercial channels, and
the remaining were produced for Japanese and Turkish orders as these countries were at war with
Russia and objected to the words "Russian Model".
We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Third Model, Commercial Reissue
Variation, caliber .44 S&W Russian, revolver in company records which indicate that your
handgun, with serial number 270 was shipped probably from our factory on October 5, 1877, and
delivered to M. W. Robinson, New York City, NY, Smith & Wesson's largest distributor. The
records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 6.5 inch barrel, nickel finish, butt swivel,
and smooth walnut grips. This shipment was for 20 units. The pearl grips and engraving were
probably added by Mr. Robinson Company to fill a special order. This model is very difficult to
research based on the fact that there are several serial number series. We feel after our review we
have selected the most probably shipping information. Based on the pictures you included, it
appears as if this revolver has been refinished.
We trust that the information furnished will be helpful and of interest to you."
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Nice looking early S & W. The engraving and grips will detract from the value though, because their not factory original. Take it to either one of the collector type gun shows or one of the large auction houses that specializes in firearms, for a ballpark value. Because of the aftermarket alterations likely would sell more readily to collector who is more interested in a handsome display piece, then one who was interested only in factory original guns. 0 -
Because this revolver has aftermarket alterations, and has been refinished, that takes about 50% of the collector value away from it. As such, it is currently worth between $1500.00-2000.00, in my honest opinion. You could do better at an auction house, as suggested.
Best0
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