Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Third Model Revolver with S&W factory letter. The S&W letter describes the revolver a "Model 3 Russian with a reissue barrel stamping". The letter further states that S&W records indicate that the revolver was shipped from the factory on December 15, 1876 and delivered to Schuyler Hartley & Graham Co., in New York City. The revolver was shipped with 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, butt swivel and smooth walnut grips. The top of the barrel rib is hand-stamped "REISSUE/JULY 25 1871". The revolver has the distinctive knuckle at the top of the back strap and trigger guard spur. The top of the barrel rib is roll-stamped "+SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT.JULY 10.60. JAN.17.FEB.17. JULY11. 65& AUG. 24.69. RUSSIAN MODEL+". The butt is stamped "1874" in a rectangle above the serial number "46379". What appears to be an assembly number "7169" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder.

Fine. The revolver retains more than 40% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The blue is thin on the sides of the barrel and lug. The cylinder has a gray patina with traces of blue finish in the cylinder flutes. The sides of the frame retain most of the blue finish with edge and high point wear and scattered handling marks and scratches. The grip strap and back strap have a gray patina. The case colors on the hammer, trigger and trigger guard spur have faded to a silver gray patina. The markings on the barrel rib and butt are sharp. The action functions well. The grips are in good condition with moderate handling wear. This is a solid example of a scarce S&W Model 3 Russian Third Model Revolver with factory letter.