Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No. 3 Target
Serial Number: 3620
Year of Manufacture: Frame manufactured by 1898; shipped September 20, 1900 / Antique. The included S&W Historical Foundation letter documents the shipment date and states that New Model No. 3 frame production continued through 1898. This exact revolver has also previously been classified as Antique.
Caliber: .38-44 S&W Gallery
Action Type: Single Action, Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Ejector and 6-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6 1/2", Solid Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is the original beaded target blade set into the barrel rib, pinned to the rib. The rear sight is the original adjustable target notch sight mounted to the barrel latch. The rear sight blade has a slight bend and the front bead has a small ding.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with S&W monograms at their tops and diamonds surrounding the grip screw. There are scattered minor dings and light handling wear. The checkering and molded details remain well defined. There are no chips or cracks visible. The right panel is scratch-numbered to the revolver. The fit is excellent. Overall, the grips rate in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Bright Blue with Case-Hardened Hammer and Trigger Guard, Straw-Finished Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are stubborn fouling streaks in the muzzle and toward the rear. The bore is near excellent. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 92% of its original bright blue finish. There is mild high-edge wear and scattered light handling wear. The majority of the finish loss is along the grip straps and portions of the 1 7/16" cylinder, where areas of flaking have aged to a smooth gray-brown patina. The hammer and trigger guard retain strong and vibrant case color, while the trigger retains traces of its straw finish. The engraving, markings, and fine details remain crisp and clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action is solid and functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a signed two-page S&W Historical Foundation research letter from Michael Helms, Historian and Secretary/Treasurer, dated May 11, 2026. Also included is a copy of the original Smith & Wesson factory ledger showing the shipment entry for serial 3620 and the associated S&W Historical Foundation envelope.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the New Model No. 3 Target in 1887 at the recommendation of renowned target shooter Ira Paine, with the included Historical Foundation letter stating that 4,333 Target revolvers were produced through 1910. The letter documents serial 3620 as a New Model No. 3 Target chambered in .38-44 S&W Gallery and shipped from Smith & Wesson's Springfield factory on September 20, 1900 to Montgomery Ward & Company of Chicago, Illinois. It was recorded with a 6 1/2" barrel, blue finish, checkered black hard rubber grips, and, most importantly, as a "fancy" revolver. The letter explains that "fancy" was period terminology applied to engraved or otherwise specially configured arms and states that the quality of the engraving on this revolver strongly suggests factory execution, while appropriately noting that specific factory documentation identifying the embellishment has not been located. The Target model's limited production and specialized target configuration have made surviving examples particularly desirable to Smith & Wesson collectors.
This is an especially attractive and well-documented New Model No. 3 Target, combining the scarce .38-44 S&W Gallery chambering, original target sights, matching components, extensive period engraving, strong original finish, and the highly significant factory-record "fancy" notation. The grips rate in Fine condition, the bore is bright and near excellent, the action functions correctly, and the revolver retains about 92% of its original bright blue finish. This stunning Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target is exactly what advanced Smith & Wesson collections are built around.
