S&W New Model No. 3 SA .44 S&W with Japanese Navy Markings

An exceptionally nice and scarce S&W factory refinished New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver chambered in .44 S&W Russian, with Japanese navy markings. This revolver falls into a known serial number range (26718-27107) of New Model No. 3s shipped to Takata on October 4, 1890. A Japanese Navy anchor is stamped on the butt. The barrel is numbered to a different gun. Mismatched parts are commonly found on these Japanese contract revolvers. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder and barrel latch. There is a S&W factory rework star stamped on the grip frame and rear cylinder face. According to the previous owner, this revolver was given to the Pan Am Airways bankruptcy agent during Pan Am bankruptcy proceedings in Japan, circa 1980s.  This revolver is in very fine as factory refurbished, retaining 97% nickel plating showing some mild flaking mostly on the grip straps. Some darkened case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine showing minor handling marks mostly near/on the bottoms and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically, it is excellent. (PIMU-917)