Rare S&W New Model 3 SA .44-40

Rare antique Smith and Wesson New Model 3 Single Action in the unusual .44-40 chambering. Like many others, this one has had the barrel bobbed to 5-1/4″ length and a Lyman front sight installed.  The serial number is 201X, making it 1896 or 1897 production. The New Model 3 borrowed the barrel-mounted frame latch and rounded butt design from the S&W double action top break design. I was told that the original owner of this revolver was a trapper and lawman in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan who carried this revolver in his official capacity. Most Model 3 SAs were made in .44 S&W Russian. But less than 1,000 of these were made in .44-40 and I doubt that there are more than a few dozen of those in good working condition, like this one. This revolver’s mechanical function is quite good. There’s one small area of pitting on the left side of the barrel, near the muzzle. (See photos.) The cylinder, chambers, and barrel are clean and free of rust.  This would make a fantastic SASS competition revolver, or just a practical shooter. (LUIU-468).