Only approximately 310 Smith & Wesson New Model 3 Australian revolvers were manufactured, all with nickel finish, 7 inch barrels, and detachable shoulder stocks. They were shipped to Australia for the Southern Australian Colonial Police and carried in holster and scabbard on horseback in the wild Australian outback. This example is pictured in Dean Boorman's "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" on page 109 and is listed by serial number in LTC Charles W. Pate's article "Smith & Wesson's Australian Model" published in the May/June 1988 issue of Man at Arms (article excerpt included). It has the two-line barrel rib marking ending with the reissue patent date, an Australian broad arrow stamped on the butt, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. A S&W factory rework star is stamped on the butt, and a May 1956 factory return date ("5 56") is stamped on the left side of the grip frame. The stock is numbered to a different gun ("12802") and has an Australian broad arrow, nickel plated hardware, and S&W hard rubber buttplate. The leather flap holster is marked with an Australian broad arrow proof along with the rack number "129" on the inside of the flap. The leather stock scabbard is stamped with an Australian broad arrow and the rack number "93" on the inside. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Very fine, retaining 98% plus of the factory refinished nickel. 60% of the case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are very good with some worn checkering and minor handling marks. The stock is fine with the hardware retaining most of the nickel plating and minor dings and scratches on the walnut. The holster and scabbard are both very good showing typical age cracking and overall tight stitching. Mechanically excellent.