Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Commercial 3rd Model Russian (Model No. 3 Russian Third Model)

Serial Number: 46715

Year of Manufacture: 1874-1878

Caliber: .44 S&W Russian

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Top Break Barrel

Markings: The butt of the grip is marked “1874 / 46715 “STAR” / P”. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10.60.JAN. 17.FEB.17.JULY 11.65 & AUG.24.69 RUSSIAN MODEL”. The rear face of the cylinder, bottom of the barrel latch, and rear of the top strap are marked “7403”. The interior of the right grip panel is marked with the matching serial number “46715″.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2” with a full-length top rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin half-round blade forged from the rib. The rear sight is a “U” in a rise in the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth brown walnut on a round-butt grip frame. There is a hole in the bottom grip frame from the missing butt swivel. There are some light compressions and draglines from use and storage but no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is minimal scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss that has oxidized. There are draglines and patches of cloudy finish. There are some little nicks and dings. There is patina on the trigger guard. The hammer still shows some color from the case-hardening. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Condition.

Mechanics: The action works correctly. The cylinder lockup produces barely any side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a beautiful late 19th century “Mexican double loop” brown leather pistol holster with elegant hand carved floral tooling along the front. Also included is a late 19th century brown leather gun belt with 20 integral shell loops along the back. Both pieces are in Good Condition.

Our Assessment: When Smith & Wesson began making centerfire top break revolvers in 1870, they named the large framed .44 Model “No. 3”. This was followed by the .38 Model “No. 2” in 1876, and the .32 Model “No. 1 1/2” in 1878, based on frame sizes, not date of manufacture. All were made first in single action, and later double action models were added. The single-action versions of the Model No. 3 were made in 4 distinct groups: Americans, Russians, Schofields, and New Models. The 3rd Model (of the No. 3) Russian was distinguished by the round butt grip frame with extreme knuckle, as well as the latch mounted on the barrel as opposed to the frame, and were in .44 caliber with 6 1/2” or 7” barrels. Legendary lawman Pat Garrett, most famous for ridding New Mexico territory of Billy the Kid, is known to have owned an S&W 3rd Model Russian.

This Antique Smith & Wesson Commercial 3rd Model Russian Revolver was made between 1874-1878 and is in Fine Condition. It features a 6 1/2” barrel, 90% of its original factory nickel finish, the classic “extreme knuckle”, the original serial-matching two-piece smooth brown walnut grips, clear markings, and a bright bore with well-defined rifling (there’s minimal scattered erosion and pitting). There is a hole in the bottom grip frame from the missing butt swivel. This pistol comes with a beautiful late 19th century “Mexican double loop” brown leather pistol holster with elegant hand carved floral tooling along the front, and a late 19th century brown leather gun belt with 20 integral shell loops along the back. This is a wonderful Old West Smith & Wesson top break revolver, tooled holster, and gun belt rig.