21. European Copy of a Smith & Wesson First Model Russian Revolver
serial #1312, 44 Russian, 6 3/4" barrel with a good-very good bore that has spots of dark pitting along its length. This is a very well made and finished revolver that has matching assembly numbers on the frame, cylinder, and latch (the barrel is unnumbered) and retains 90-95% of the original nickel finish that has flaked lightly at the muzzle revealing freckled brown-gray underlying metal. Further brown freckling is present between and around the edges of the cylinder flutes, on the cylinder face, in small spots along the rear of the frame as well as on the gripstraps, heaviest at the heel, toe, and around the lanyard loop. Traces of original color case-hardening can be seen on the sides of the hammer with the balance having a plum-brown patina, darkest on the spur, that repeats on the trigger. Interestingly, the marking along the top of the barrel rib copies Smith & Wesson's and reads, "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY. 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY. 11. 65. & AUG. 24. 69. RUSSIAN MODEL", in block letters. The walnut grips are in very good shape and have light handling marks and blemishes in the added oil finish, heaviest around the butt, with a loose screw bolster on the right panel that has sunken inwards slightly due to over-tightening. Both panels are numbered on the inside but neither number matches the gun. The mechanism still locks up tightly and is fully functional. This is a very good plus, unlicensed copy of a Russian Model Smith, almost certainly Spanish in origin and much better made than most, that would make an interesting addition to a collection of No. 3 revolvers. (74456-7) {C&R} (1500/2500) SOLD FOR $1725.00 |
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