Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model 3 Russian Third Model (New Model Russian), Commercial Variation

Serial Number: 47233

Year of Manufacture: 1877 (Shipped February 1, 1877, per factory letter)

Caliber: .44 S&W Russian

Action Type: Single Action Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Ejector

Barrel Length: 6.5"

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D JAN. 17 & 24. 65. JULY 11. 65. AUG. 24. 69. JULY 25. 71. RUSSIAN MODEL.” The butt of the grip frame is marked “47233”, with a boxed “1874” inspection stamp and a “P” proof. The rear face of the barrel latch and the rear face of the topstrap are both marked “40”, indicating matching assembly numbers. The cylinder has directional arrows in the flutes. There are no import marks.

Barrel Configuration & Condition: The barrel is the correct 6.5” length for the Third Model and features the characteristic integral front sight forged as part of the barrel rib. The barrel locks up solidly with the frame and displays strong original geometry. Markings remain sharp and fully legible.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade forged integrally with the barrel rib. The rear sight is a fixed notch in the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth ivory panels, likely dealer-installed by M.W. Robinson per factory documentation. They show attractive natural grain, stable age-related shrinkage lines, and rich patina. The fit is solid with no major chips or losses. The lanyard ring is missing, but the original eyelet is fully intact at the butt.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with erosion present throughout. The rifling is visible but worn, with smoothed lands and grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 70% of its original nickel finish. There is finish loss along the high edges, cylinder flutes, and around the hinge, with exposed steel showing a smooth gray patina. The screw heads show light wear and remain serviceable. All markings are clear and correct. The frame, latch, and barrel assembly are all matching. The revolver is in Very Good condition for an antique.

Mechanics: The revolver is in full mechanical working order. The action locks up solidly, the hammer cocks properly, the trigger resets reliably, and the automatic ejector operates as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a factory letter from Smith & Wesson Historian Roy Jinks, dated April 27, 2011, confirming that this revolver was shipped on February 1, 1877, to M.W. Robinson of New York City as part of a 40-unit nickel shipment. The letter notes that the revolver originally shipped with walnut grips and that the ivory panels were likely added by Robinson as part of a special-order configuration.

Our Assessment: This is a textbook example of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Third Model, also known as the New Model Russian, one of the most iconic top-break revolvers of the 19th century. Built in 1877 and shipped to M.W. Robinson—Smith & Wesson’s largest distributor at the time—this factory-documented commercial gun bears all the correct features of the Third Model, including the 6.5” barrel, spur trigger guard, integral front sight, and the definitive “RUSSIAN MODEL” rollmark on the barrel rib. It is a revolver built not just for export but for distinction, likely sold to a high-end domestic or foreign civilian buyer.

This example retains about 70% of its original nickel finish and remains mechanically sound. The grips are smooth ivory panels, beautifully aged and consistent with the dealer-installed upgrades Robinson was known to supply. The bore shows expected wear for its age but retains some visible rifling, and the action is tight and fully functional. Matching numbers and a factory letter add to its desirability.

Whether you collect Smith & Wesson top-breaks, American export arms, or 19th-century handguns with real-world provenance, this revolver checks all the boxes. With its authentic configuration, surviving finish, and verified history, it represents a worthy addition to any advanced antique arms collection.