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Smith & Wesson No. 3 Revolver | |
---|---|
Type | |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1870–1915 |
Used by | United States, Russian Empire, Kingdom of Montenegro, Argentina, Empire of Japan, Ottoman Empire, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, South Australia Police, Spain, Second Polish Republic |
Wars | American Indian Wars Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) North-West Rebellion, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Polish–Ukrainian War World War I (limited) |
Production history | |
Designer | Smith & Wesson |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Produced | 1868–1898 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 1.3 kilograms (2.9 lb) |
Length | 305 millimetres (12.0 in) |
Barrel length | 165 millimetres (6.5 in) |
Caliber | .44 Russian, .44 S&W American, .38 S&W, .44 Henry, .44-40 Winchester, .45 S&W, .32 S&W |
Action | Single-action |
Muzzle velocity | 244 metres per second (800 ft/s)[1] |
Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
Sights | Fixed front post and rear notch |
The Smith & Wesson Model 3 was a single-action, cartridge-firing, top-breakrevolver produced by Smith & Wesson from circa 1870 to 1915, and was recently again offered as a reproduction by Smith & Wesson and Uberti.
It was produced in several variations and sub-variations, including both the 'Russian Model', so named because it was supplied to the military of the Russian Empire (41,000 No. 3's were ordered in .44 caliber by the Imperial Russian Army in 1871),[2] and the 'Schofield' model, named after Major George W. Schofield, who made his own modifications to the Model 3 to meet his perceptions of the Cavalry's needs. Smith & Wesson incorporated these modifications into an 1875 design they named after the Major, planning to obtain significant military contracts for the new revolver.[2]
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Mar 4, 2015 - And that's exactly what I would have done except Smith & Wesson's revolver model numbers have all been assigned by a mad genius. Smith & Wesson Number 1 2nd Issue.22 Short, circa 1865 Smith & Wesson Number 1 2nd Issue.22 Short. Made circa 1865, serial number 99398 sports a 3.2-inch octagon barrel and has a 7-shot cylinder. Adobe edge animate cc 2015. Smith and Wesson serial number search The Firing Line Forums Order The factory Letter from S&W. Recommended by Hammer it within the forum from 2006 as a senior member.
https://renewstation927.weebly.com/faithfully-journey-song-free-download.html. The S&W Model 3 was originally chambered for the .44 S&W American and .44 Russian cartridges, and typically did not have the cartridge information stamped on the gun (as is standard practice for most commercial firearms). Model 3 revolvers were later produced in an assortment of calibers, including .44 Henry Rimfire, .44-40, .32-44, .38-44, and .45 Schofield. The design would influence the smaller S&W .38 Single Action that is retroactively referred to as the Model 2.[2]
- 2Schofield Revolver
- 2.1Versions
- 3Copies
- 3.3Users
- 4Modern reproductions
Russian Model[edit]
George Amstrong Custer with Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovitch after the Duke Buffalo Hunt; the Duke with his new Smith & Wesson No. 3 in the holster
Smith & Wesson No. 3, open for loading. Note: the automatic ejector is up.
Smith & Wesson Russian Model No. 3
Smith & Wesson produced large numbers of the Model 3, in three distinct models, for the Russian Empire by special order. The first was the 1st Model Russian (the original order design), with the Russian Ordnance Inspector mandating a number of improvements to the design, resulting in the 2nd Model Russian, with a final revision to the Russian design being known as the 3rd Model Russian.[3]
Smith & Wesson nearly went bankrupt as a result of their Russian Contract production, as the Imperial government assigned a number of engineers and gunsmiths to reverse-engineer the Smith & Wesson design, and then began to produce copies of the revolver—both in their own arsenal at Tula and by contracting other manufacturers in Germany and elsewhere in Europe to manufacture copies of the revolver (a common practice at the time—Webley & Scott's British Bulldog revolver was widely copied, too, by European and American gunsmiths).[3]
The Russian and European copies of the S&W Model 3 revolver were generally of very high quality, but considerably cheaper than the S&W produced revolvers. This led to the Imperial government cancelling the order for significant quantities of Smith & Wesson–made revolvers (which Smith & Wesson had already produced), and delaying (or refusing) payment for the handguns that had already been delivered.[4]
Schofield Revolver[edit]
The U.S. Army adopted the .44 S&W American caliber Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver in 1870, making the Model 3 revolver the first standard-issue cartridge-firing revolver in US service. Most military pistols until that point were black powder cap and ball revolvers, which were (by comparison) slow, complicated, and susceptible to the effects of wet weather.[3]
S&W Schofield
In 1875, the US Ordnance Board granted Smith & Wesson a contract to outfit the military with Model 3 revolvers incorporating the design improvements of Major George W. Schofield (known as the 'Schofield revolver'), providing that they could make the revolvers fire the .45 Colt (AKA '.45 Long Colt') ammunition already in use by the US military. Smith & Wesson instead developed their own, slightly shorter .45 caliber round, the .45 Schofield, otherwise known as the .45 S&W.[5]
When it became obvious in the field that the two cartridges would not work interchangeably in the Schofield (although they both worked in the Colt), the U.S. Government adopted the shorter .45 Schofield cartridge as the standard cartridge. Despite the change, old stocks of the longer .45 Colt rounds in the supply line caused the Army to drop most of the Schofields and continue with the Colt. Major Schofield had patented his locking system and earned a payment on each gun that Smith & Wesson sold, and at the time his older brother, John M. Schofield, was the head of the Army Ordnance Board and the political situation may have been the main issue for the early end of army sales.[3]
Many of the S&W Model 3 Schofield revolvers saw service in the Indian Wars, and there are reports of them in use as late as the Spanish–American War and Philippine–American War. Like the other Smith & Wesson Model 3s, they were also reportedly popular with lawmen and outlaws in the American West, and were reportedly used by Jesse James, Bob Ford (who used one to kill James),[6]John Wesley Hardin, Pat Garrett, Theodore Roosevelt, Virgil Earp, Billy the Kid, and many others. The Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolver was famously used by Wyatt Earp during the OK Corral Gunfight with the Clanton Gang.[2]
While the standard barrel length was 7', many Schofields were purchased as surplus by distributors, and had the barrels shortened to 5', and were refinished in nickel.[3] After the Spanish–American War of 1898, the US Army sold off all their surplus Schofield revolvers. The surplus Schofield revolvers were reconditioned by wholesalers and gunsmiths (at professional factory-quality level) with a considerable number offered for sale on the commercial market with a 5-inch barrel as well as the standard size barrel of 7 inches.[3]
Of the most notable purchasers of these reconditioned model 3 Schofield revolvers was Wells Fargo and Company, who purchased the revolvers for use by Wells Fargo Road Agents and had the barrels shortened to a more concealable 5 inches length. These revolvers were then inspected by the Wells Fargo armorer and uniquely stamped 'W.F. & Co' or 'Wells Fargo & Co', along with the original Smith & Wesson serial number re-stamped alongside the Wells Fargo stamping on the flat part of the barrel just forward of the barrel pivot as well as re-stamping any part of each revolver which had not originally been stamped or stamped in a location that would be difficult to view the serial number, when needed.[3]
The Wells Fargo Schofield revolvers became so popular with collectors from the 1970s onwards that the unique Wells Fargo markings were being 'counterfeited' or 'faked' by unscrupulous sellers to enhance the value of other similar versions that had not been genuinely owned by Wells Fargo & Co. There are more 'fake' Wells Fargo marked Schofield revolvers than genuine ones in existence and, accordingly, a collector interested in purchasing a 'Wells Fargo' Schofield revolver would be well advised to have a pre-purchase inspection and verification performed by an expert who specializes in this model.[3]
Lieutenant Colonel Schofield shot himself on December 17, 1882, with a S&W Schofield revolver after suffering a bout of mental illness, stress and isolation.[7] Honda generator eu 1000 user manual. Super deform pose collection vol1 download torrent.
An engraved, gold-plated New Model Number 3 with pearl grips was presented to sharpshooter Annie Oakley in the 1890s by her husband Frank Butler. The revolver was one of three embellished guns that were cased for Oakley as a presentation group.[8]
Versions[edit]
First Model Schofield[edit]
The First Model Schofield has a latch configuration that is rather pointed at the top and has a circle around the screw head at the bottom.
Second Model Schofield[edit]
The Second Model latch has a large raised circle at the top of the latch.
One of General Schofield's revisions and improvements to the predecessor Model 3 Revolvers included mounting the spring-loaded barrel catch on the frame as opposed to the standard Smith & Wesson Model 3 which has the latch mounted on the barrel. In the previous engineering, the posts of the frame would wear out after heavy usage. Schofield's improvement called for heat treated, replaceable components at this sensitive 'wear' area of the catch and latch. The serial number range also will give an indication of whether it is First or Second Model, with the serial numbers changing from the First Model to the Second Model at a little over 3,000.[4]
New Model Number 3[edit]
Smith & Wesson No. 3, New Model, 44 Russian
In 1877, S&W discontinued production of its other Model 3s such as the American, Russian, and Schofield—in favor a new improved design called the New Model Number Three. This new model has a longer cylinder allowing it to fire longer cartridges. Standard chambering was .44 Russian, although other calibers were offered on special order or in related models such as the .44-40 Frontier Model, the .32-44 & .38-44 Target Models, and the very rare .38-40 Winchester Model.[4]
Australian Model[edit]
In 1880 the South Australia Police, who were then interested in re-arming with up-to-date weapons, noted a display of New Model Number Three revolvers at the Australian Exposition in Melbourne. At the direction of Police Commissioner Peterswald an order was placed through S&W's New York agent for 250 nickel revolvers in .44 Russian with a seven-inch barrel length. The order, which included extension shoulder stocks, ammunition, and reloading kits, arrived at Adelaide in March 1882. The revolvers and stocks were thereupon marked with a government broad arrow punch mark, and were called revolver-carbines. They were issued to mounted police, known as troopers, who at that period also policed the Northern Territory. Both the South Australia and Western Australia police made further small purchases during 1886-88, none of which was marked with the broad arrow. For some thirty years the revolver-carbine was the front line weapon of the mounted police of S.A., W.A., and N.T. Nearly all serial numbers are known, and are listed in the book Service Arms of the South Australian Police.[9] The S.A. revolvers were sold as surplus in 1953 to the Western Arms Corporation of Los Angeles.
Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model[edit]
Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier
Smith And Wesson Serial Number
https://bazarsite676.weebly.com/create-c-program-for-mac.html. The Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier Revolver was made from 1881 to 1913. This revolver could be fired in both single- and double action, and used the typical S&W top-break ejection system. Chambered primarily in .44 Russian, as well as .44 S&W American and .44-40 it incorporated the company's familiar curved grip frame, with hard rubber or checkered walnut grips. It was available in blue and nickel-plated finishes, with 4, 5, 6, 6½ and 8 inch barrels (the 5' being the most common).[10]
Copies[edit]
The popular Model 3 was copied in many countries. Most common were the versions made in Spain, Mexico and Belgium; but companies such as Ludwig Loewe & Company of Germany and the Tula Arsenal in Russia played a hand in the counterfeit game, too. Copies have been found in Turkey and Pakistan as well, made by local manufacturers.[3]
11mm Orbea Hermanos y Cia. M1884 Sistema ONÁ ('S&W Model 7')[edit]
An Orbea Hermanos revolver at the Seville Military History Museum.
In 1884 the Spanish government made a decree stating that any invention not copyrighted by their copyright office was not under their protection. One victim of this was Smith & Wesson, whose lucrative contract to produce Model 3 revolvers for the Spanish Army was quickly cancelled. Its work given to local gunsmiths in Eibar by different firms without any standardization of parts.[3]
The Orbea HermanosModelo 1884 Sistema ONÁ (Basqueoná > 'good') or 'S&W Model 7' revolver was made from 1884 until the 1920s. Financial management book pdf free download. It is notable for its grip medallion, which is an 'OH' interlaced like the Smith & Wesson 'S&W'.[3]
An interesting footnote is that Smith & Wesson immediately copyrighted all of their other designs in Spain from then on. That is why their firearms have MARCA REGISTRADA and the date of the Spanish patent on their barrels.[11]
Liege copies[edit]
There were a number of unauthorized Belgian copies made in .44 Russian and .44-40 Winchester as Single and Double Action revolvers. These copies, mostly manufactured in Liege, were marked as if to deceive a buyer into thinking that they were a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson. Many of the finer details such as the location of the Smith & Wesson factory were incorrectly stamped on the revolvers ('New York' and 'VK' being the two most common).[3]
Smith & Wesson brought lawsuits against two gunmakers in Liege, which they originally lost, but won on appeal.[3]
Users[edit]
Italy[edit]
The prime contractor for the Italian military was Orbea, which chambered their revolvers for the Italian 10.4mm cartridge. These Spanish-made revolvers were used during World War I, and according to online sources were the preferred handgun of elite Arditi troops.
Philippines[edit]
Many Spanish firearms were captured by the Liberation Army during the Revolution, among them Model 1884 revolvers. Some were brought by defectors from the Spanish military. These handguns also saw service, later, in the Philippine-American War.
Romania[edit]
Revolvers for the Romanian military were chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge, and were made by Trocaola, Aranzabal y Cía. These Spanish-made revolvers were used during World War I.
Spain[edit]
Spain used these revolvers, which were chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge, during the Philippine Revolution, the Spanish–American War, the Rif War, and the Spanish Civil War.
United Kingdom[edit]
The M1884 was later briefly made chambered in .455 Webley for British government contracts in 1915 and 1916. It was designated by the British Army as the 'Pistol, Old Pattern', due to its old design. They were dubbed 'Spanish Webleys' by troops even though they were copies of the S&W Model 3. Orbea Hermanos y Cia., Garate, Anitua y Cia., and Trocaola, Aranzabal y Cia. were contracted to make 30,000 revolvers among them. Orbea Hermanos was the major contractor and the other two were sub-contractors. Rexach & Urgoite was later contracted in 1916 to make 500 pistols but all failed proofing and the lot was refused.
Finish and quality control was varied throughout the run of production. The fact that they were making service pistols and revolvers for France and Italy at the same time was definitely a factor.
As there was no standardization of design or parts between manufacturers, each manufacturer's model was considered a different gun altogether. The Garate, Anitua y Cia. model was designated the Pistol, Old Pattern, No.1 Mk.I,[12][13] the Trocaola, Aranzabal y Cia. model was designated the Pistol, Old Pattern, No.2 Mk.I, and the Orbea Hermanos model was designated the Pistol, Old Pattern, No.3 Mk.I.
The weapons were given to the Royal Ulster Constabulary after the war. The RUC later sold them off to the New South Wales Police Force, who made snub-nosed revolvers out of them and issued them as backup pistols. A cut-down snub-nosed .455 'Old Pattern' Revolver was carried by one of Michael Collins' bodyguards.
Modern reproductions[edit]
Modern reproductions of the Smith & Wesson model 3 Revolver are made by a number of companies, including (most notably) Smith & Wesson themselves, as well as the Italian arms-makers Uberti and Armi San Marco.[14]
Smith & Wesson[edit]
Smith & Wesson manufactured a modern reproduction of the original Model 3 Revolvers from 2000 to 2003. Despite being touted as a 'true' reproduction, there are significant differences between the modern version and the original. Side-by-side comparison of an original with the pre-production gun showed that the new version is slightly more stout than the original around the barrel and top strap, though not as much as on the Navy Arms guns. Changes in the internal lock mechanism were also made.[15]
The 'reproduction' S&W Model 3 firing pin is frame-mounted instead of being an integral part of the hammer, a modern safety feature – with a transfer bar as a practical safety catch in a revolver – preventing accidental discharge if dropped.[15]
There is no transfer bar on the firing pin but a blocking bar on the hammer, should it slip off the thumb when cocking the pistol. A heavier cylinder was fitted into the stronger frame. Unlike the Uberti reproductions that have a longer-than-original cylinder and frame the S&W was made to only accommodate the shorter original Schofield rounds.[15]
Uberti/Armi San Marco[edit]
The Uberti version, imported by Navy Arms and Cimarron Firearms, has external dimensions generally similar to the original 2nd Model Schofield, but the barrel and topstrap are considerably thicker, for additional strength. These replica Model 3 revolvers have lengthened cylinders to accommodate .45 Colt and .44-40 cartridges. Although there were some problems with the locking latch angles in early versions, these were generally corrected or the revolvers were replaced. European reproduction Model 3 revolvers have changes made to their lockwork to meet import regulations.[16] A Uberti produced reproduction was also marketed as the Beretta Laramie.
Cultural significance[edit]
Clint Eastwood's 1992 film Unforgiven features a character called the 'Schofield Kid' (Jaimz Woolvett), named after the Model 3, his weapon of choice.[6] In the 2007 film 3:10 to Yuma, Charlie Prince (Ben Foster) carries two Smith & Wesson Schofield Model 3 revolvers.[6]
References[edit]
- ^McNab, Chris (2009). Firearms. Queen Street House, 4th Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE, UK: Parragon. p. 62. ISBN978-1-4075-1607-3.
- ^ abcdBoorman, Dean K. (2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Guilford, Conn.: Globe Pequot Press. pp. 31–33, 37. ISBN978-1-58574-721-4.
- ^ abcdefghijklmSupica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (3 January 2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 88–103. ISBN0-89689-293-X.
- ^ abcLawman, Tuolumne 'Smith & Wesson's #3, Colt's Biggest Rival in the Old West'Archived 2008-02-28 at the Wayback Machine Sam Hane's Western History
- ^Kinard, Jeff (2004). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. pp. 129–135. ISBN978-1-85109-470-7.
- ^ abcAgnew, Jeremy (1 November 2012). The Old West in Fact and Film: History Versus Hollywood. McFarland. p. 150. ISBN978-0-7864-9311-1.
- ^'REVOLVER - SMITH & WESSON REVOLVER MODEL 3 SCHOFIELD FIRST MODEL SINGLE ACTION .45 SN# 1532'. Springfield Armory Museum.
- ^Autry National Center (12 January 2012). 'Annie Oakley's Pistols'.
- ^Service Arms of the South Australian Police : 1838 to 1988, the first 150 years by Max Slee : (Antique & Historical Arms Assoc., of South Australia, Adelaide, 1988) ISBN0-7316-4078-0:
- ^https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/4/23/smith-wesson-44-double-action-first-model/
- ^Lee, Jerry (29 January 2016). 2016 Standard Catalog of Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide. 'F+W Media, Inc.'. p. 1034. ISBN978-1-4402-4441-4.
- ^Taylerson-Chamberlain, W. H. J. and A. W. F. Revolvers of the British Services, 1854-1944, pp. 57-59.
- ^Maze, Robert J. Howdah to High Power – A Century of British Breechloading Service Pistols (1867-1967), pp. 93-94
- ^Taffin, John (2006). The Gun Digest Book of the .44. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 37. ISBN0-89689-416-9.
- ^ abcSupica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (3 June 2016). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: 'F+W Media, Inc.'. p. 438. ISBN978-1-4402-4563-3.
- ^'Uberti Top Break: No. 3 New Model Russian, No. 3 2nd Model'. A. Uberti. Archived from the original on February 1, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_3&oldid=899187621'
A First Model Smith & Wesson № 3 - Serial № 211 from the First Russian Contract
The address line and Imperial acceptance mark on the barrel.
Ipad 5 manual download. All first contract guns all have the Cyrillic address line on the top of the barrel rib followed by an inspector’s final acceptance mark in the form of a double headed Russian eagle above the inspector’s initials. All of the first contract guns were inspected by then Capitan Kasaverii Ordinetz (Касаверий Ординец) who inspected the Smith & Wesson production until early 1876, hence the KO under the eagle.
Line address and inspector's mark on a First Model Smith & Wesson № 3 - Serial № 211 from the First Russian Contract
The inspector's mark on a First Model Smith & Wesson № 3 - Serial № 211
Smith And Wesson Serial Number Search
The address line contains the following text in old (pre 1917) Cyrillic letters:
Смита и Вессона оружейная фабрика Г. Спрингфильдъ Америка
This translates to: “Smith and Wesson weapons factory C(ity) Springfield America” This is the address line and acceptance mark arrangement that would be used through at least the first two or three contracts. The address line is located to the rear of the 8 inch barrel and there is minimal space between the end of the address and the acceptance mark. Later the address line would be moved forward to make space for the serial number in front of the acceptance mark.
Смита и Вессона оружейная фабрика Г. Спрингфильдъ Америка
This translates to: “Smith and Wesson weapons factory C(ity) Springfield America” This is the address line and acceptance mark arrangement that would be used through at least the first two or three contracts. The address line is located to the rear of the 8 inch barrel and there is minimal space between the end of the address and the acceptance mark. Later the address line would be moved forward to make space for the serial number in front of the acceptance mark.
There are three major variations of the № 3 as delivered to the Russians during the first contract:
- First issue - revolvers with old style straight bottom frames, small trigger pin, old style hinge pin, and marked with assembly numbers. Some of these may be missing some of the first mechanical improvements. Of the approximately 500 first issue revolvers that were manufactured, so far, only two pieces are currently known.
- Second issue - revolvers with old style straight bottom frames, the small trigger pin, old style hinge pin, but marked with full serial numbers instead of assembly numbers. Approx 2500 pieces manufactured. (revolvers have been observed with high, 5000ish, serials? Datig)
- Third issue - guns with new style (enlarged trigger pin boss) frames, enlarged trigger pin, new style 2 piece hinge pin, and marked with full serial numbers. Approx 15-17000 third issue revolvers produced.
First Issue - Assembly Numbers
Serial number on the butt of a First Model Smith & Wesson № 3 - Serial № 438 from the First Russian Contract
The original Smith & Wesson №3 'Americans' had been produced with a full serial number on the butt and the inside of the right grip plate. Assembly numbers were put on the major parts; the master assembly number on the frame was found on the right side of the butt portion of the frame underneath the right grip plate and the matching assembly numbers were located on the face of the cylinder, the barrel latch and the rear face of the barrel extension.
The Russian contract revolvers of the first contract have been reported to all have full serial numbers in five locations; the frame, the right grip plate, the cylinder face, the barrel extension face and under the barrel latch - the exact same locations as the 'American' assembly numbers. However, the first approximately 500 revolvers for the Russian contract were produced with the 'American' style numbering system. Only two examples of this model are currently known; Serial numbers 211 and 438. Assembly numbers and the early style frame are the identifiers for the first issue revolvers - after about serial № 500 full serial numbers are found in the five usual locations.
The assembly number 18 on the butt of serial № 438 from the First Russian Contract
The assembly number 18 on the cylinder face of serial № 438 from the First Russian Contract
The latch and barrel extension showing assembly number 18 on Serial № 438
The full serial number on the inside of the right grip plate of serial № 438
Serial № 211
The Assembly number on Serial 211 is 302 or 3O2. At some point in its history this revolver has probably been refinished and the the cylinder may have had the serial number put on at that point in time (the face of the numbers don't quite match).
The serial number on the butt of serial № 211 from the First Russian Contract. Note the small Roman 'D' on the bottom of each grip plate and the Cyrillic 'Д' on the frame itself. This mark seems to be present on at least all first contract / first model revolvers.
Rear cylinder face of Serial No 211. The inset is the stamped number from the butt showing the slightly different face of the numbers. The Assembly nuber 3O2 is clearly shown.
The assembly numbers on the latch and barrel face of serial number 211. The number on the latch looks like the middle character is probably an 'O' not a '0'. However, the middle character on the barrel extension face looks like a '0' (zero).
Serial № 211 first contract first issue
Second Issue - Full serial numbers
Shown below are the serial numbers on a third issue, but they are in the same locations as a second issue revolver (I simply couldn't get good pictures of the serial numbers on a second issue as they are quite rare, but not as rare as first issues).The butt showing the Serial № 13300. The mark on the grip plate appears to be a cicle 'P' and the Cyrillic letter 'Д' appears in this location on the frame on all first model revolvers
The cylinder face with detail of the serial number and the circle 'D' mark
The serial number on the barrel latch
Third Issue - The Trigger Pin and Hinge Pin Changes
Serial 211 on the left, note the flat line of the bottom of the frame. Serial 13300 on the right shows the enlarged trigger pin boss that would be used through out the rest of the entire production
In the fall of 1871, the Russians requested another change that has served to establish one of the major differences in what has been defined as Second and Third Issue revolvers. This change was to increase the size of the pin holding the trigger in the frame and to reinforce the frame with a boss at the bottom of the frame at the location of the trigger pin hole.
This change was considered to be of great importance by the Russians. So important that late in 1871 Gorloff, who had by then been promoted to general, asked the factory to take back all of the revolvers that had already been inspected and approved. Since the Russians were Smith & Wesson's biggest customer, they wanted to keep them happy but needed a way to quickly sell the returned revolvers. Orphan black 3 temporada download torrent. Smith & Wesson contacted their agent, M.W. Robinson, to ask his assistance in selling the completed revolvers and the nearly completed revolvers still in production.
Smith And Wesson Firearm Serial Number Search
We have finished about 2,500 of the Russian Army pistols, all of which have been accepted by them and stamped with their stamp and we have perhaps 500 more to be finished. We have made a slight alteration in the model, which in the opinion of the Russian officers is of great value to the pistol, so much so that they ask us if we will receive back those not having the improvement and begin again with them. The question we cannot answer until we know whether we can turn them into money. We propose to stamp them “Russian Model” if we sell them. They are the best pistols ever made, having been most carefully (we may say almost painfully) inspected by the Russian inspectors…
It is not surprising that Robinson found a buyer, and it is not surprising that the prospective buyer was Schuler, Hartley & Graham (SH&G) of New York City. SH&G had contacted Smith & Wesson in September regarding a possible large order for a foreign government only to be told that the Russian contract made any early delivery of a large number of army-size revolvers impossible. When SH&G asked to purchase any that were on hand, Smith & Wesson referred them to M.W. Robinson because … our business relations with Mr. M.W. Robinson of your city are such that we prefer that you should arrange the matter with him … Then on the 13th of November, after the issue of the change in the frame had come up, Smith & Wesson wrote Robinson
We have been told by a Russian officer that he has been asked by S.H.&G. to sell some of their pistols to them. This was before the alteration in the model and was declined of course. This [unreadable] may be useful to you.
SH&G was very active in acquiring foreign orders for American arms and would eventually be the greatest commercial customer for the Smith & Wesson Russian Model. After Robinson notified Smith & Wesson of SH&G’s agreement to take the inspected revolvers, Smith & Wesson wrote General Gorloff that they could accept his proposal, but asked that the Russian government pay the cost of removing the Cyrillic barrel address. The factory’s estimate cost to replace the barrel marking was ten cents per pistol. Gorloff balked at this unexpected expense, stating there was no appropriation for it. The General advised Smith & Wesson that Marcellus Hartley had made an “urgent” request of him to purchase some of the pistols and indicated that they would pay more than the usual price for them. Given their willingness to do so, the General suggested that SH&G be asked to pay for removal of the markings. Smith & Wesson wrote Robinson on the 8th of December asking him to see if his customer would bear the expense of remarking the revolvers. Robinson replied the following day that SH&G had agreed, and Smith & Wesson immediately began the necessary preparations. But on the 14th of December, the partners received a telegram from General Gorloff saying he had decided to keep the finished revolvers. His reason for doing so is not been given in any available documentation. The most likely scenerio is that Gorloff learned the ultimate destination for the revolvers was to be the Ottoman Empire. Given the deteriorating relationship between Russia and Turkey, Gorloff may have not wanted the revolvers to fall into the hands of a potential enemy.
Needless to say, all of this was quite an embarrassment to Smith & Wesson. Writing to Robinson on the 19th of December after Gorloff’s decision had been confirmed, Smith & Wesson said:
…We were never in such a fix before so we do not know what to say. You must try and help us out of it which perhaps you can do by offering Messrs. SH&G some advantages from the 25,000 pistols ordered by you on completion of the Russians. And again, we shall soon be able to turn out some on our own account if you desire it and can [help] in arranging this matter. We feel that all the necessary apologies and reparations are due from the Gen. & not from us…
How Robinson worked the situation out is unrecorded, but Smith & Wesson's relationship with SH&G remained cordial. Robinson appears to have received most, if not all, of the approximately 500 revolvers of the old-style frame that were unfinished when the problem arose. While some of them were delivered to other customers, perhaps he gave SH&G some special consideration with them and later orders. SH&G clearly received favorable treatment on Russian Model revolvers made in later years.
The old style hinge pin found on first and second issue revolvers
The visible difference between second and third issue hinge pins. There is no visible difference between the two types on the left side. On the left the new style introduced with the new frame with the enlarged trigger pin. On the right the original style used on first and second issue revolvers.
In addition to changing the trigger pin size, the hinge pin was changed from a single piece design to a two piece design of larger diameter. The early small diameter model simply threaded into the right side of the frame after passing through the left side and barrel extension assembly. The hinge pin was then locked in place on the left side with a second interference screw on the left side of the frame of the revolver.
https://clevernovo374.weebly.com/cossacks-1-2-mac-download.html. The new style can be recognised by the screw head on the right side of the frame.
Pictures of a late first contract revolver
Shown below is an excellent example of a standard first contract revolver serial № 13300
Serial № 13300 first contract
Marks found on the first contract guns
The basic proof or mark locations for the first model are:
- The cylinder face, circle 'D' on all examples, early examples have a punch mark below the circle 'D' and on the extractor
- Bottom of the butt, cyrillic 'Д' all examples
- Bottom of grip plates
- 'D' 211 (both sides)
- 'D' 438, 3346 one side (right)
- Circle 'P' 13300 one side (right)
- Barrel extension usually both sides
- 'P' 211, 3346, 13300, 17812
- Circle 'D' 438,
- Frame strap under cylinder
- 'P' 3346, 17812
- Circle 'D' 211, 438, 13300,
The assembly number 18 on the cylinder face of serial № 438. Note the punch marks directly under the assembly number and on the tip of the extractor star. These are probably testing marks from testing the heat treat of the cylinder and extractor star.
The cylinder face mark of serial №13300 showing the circle 'D' mark with no punch mark on the cylinder face. There could be a remnant of a punch mark on the extractor star.
The circle 'D' on various parts and the cyrillic 'Д' on the butt are marks that are not seen on any other model of the Russian № 3. A simple 'D' without the circle will show up on second model revolvers in the second contract, but the circle 'D' mark has only been observed on the first contract revolvers. This mark has been observed on all first model cylinder faces directly under the serial or assembly number on the cylinder face as well as on the sides of the barrel extension of some very early first issue revlovers. It also appears on the top of the frame strap under the cylinder on many first contract revolvers (a 'P' appears in the same location at some unknown inerval). Early first model revolvers show a punch mark on the cylinder face and the extractor star, later revolvers do not seem show this mark.
Star marks and rejects
Content to be added!
The Survivors
First contract guns are VERY difficult to find and examine – only about 15 guns of the original 20,000 guns produced are currently known to the author (less than .1% of the original production!). The survival rate for original Smith & Wesson manufactured guns from any contract is very low. The average Russian soldier, officer or trooper, took very poor care of his weapons and the loss rate was horrendous! These guns were in service from 1871 through the First World War and Civil War. During that period of time the Russian army fought at least four major conflicts; the Russo-Turkish War 1877-78, The Russo-Japanese War 1904-05, the First World War 1914 -1918, and then the Revolution and Civil War. Guns that were broken were repaired when possible but were often simply discarded due to the lack replacement parts. There were only 20,000 first models manufactured for Imperial Russia and they were not parts interchangable with the later models. As the newer models came out, the longer barrels on earlier models were often cut down to fit in new style holsters or simply for convenience.
Known first contract guns
- 211 Leiper - First issue (assy 3O2)
- 438 Leiper - First Issue (assy 18)
- 1360 David Acon - mismatched parts
- 2379 Mentioned in Pate straight frame - Second Issue
- 3346 Pate straight frame in series 3200-3700 - Second Issue
- 4159 Mentioned in Pate straight frame - Second Issue
- 6253 Hugh May in Pate
- 13300 Leiper
- 13257 Gunbroker auction - refinished
- 16654 Edward (RussianSwords.com)
- 17409 Jay Drelinger
- 17812 Illustration Roy Double
- Pate mentions eight guns from 6253 to 17812
- Early gun shown in Jinks Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson Jr -
- 19024 inv 51/19 aetmsp
- 19997 (observed at Tulsa Apr 2010)
On Dec 6, 1871, the Russian Grand Duke Alexis visited the Smith & Wesson factory and was presented with a fully engraved, carved pearl grip, cased Model 3. This gun and case cost the factory $400 ($100 was for the case and $100 for the carved Ivory grips) but it was a worthwhile investment, since the company hoped for additional contracts. The Grand Duke proudly displayed his revolver as he toured the American Frontier and carried it on a buffalo hunt with the famous “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
=> find pictures of the gun – does it still exist?
=> find pictures of the gun – does it still exist?
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