Japanese Navy Contract Smith & Wesson New. Mod.3 - .44 Russian

[lawrence_n]

For your interest and information, this is (as mentioned in the header) a S&W New. Mod.#3 in .44 Russian. The pistol is in excellent condition with near pristine bore and chambers which is rare in black powder pistols of this age. Bluing is still evident in protected areas with the rest faded to an even patina. Mechanics (timing, advance, and lock-up) are perfect and no slop to the cylinder when in battery. The serial number of the cylinder doesn't match the rest of the serial numbers of the pistol and the hinge pivot pin is a replacement. While this might be a detriment in a normal antique pistol, this was very common in the Japanese pistols and a normal consequence of their arsenal rebuilds and therefore has no negative impact on value. From my research, "Your revolver was part of an 1879 order for 600 pistols shipped to H.Arens & Co. for the Imperial Japanese Navy. All were blued and had walnut stocks, 7" barrels, sash hooks, and lanyard rings. The serial numbers for this shipment were 9001-9600". This one is numbered #9276. You will note the Naval acceptance stamp just forward of the trigger guard. Enjoy! Comments and observations are more than welcome.