Lot 65

Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model Single Action Revolver

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Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model Single Action Revolver

Estimate: $2,500 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $2,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model Single Action Revolver in Very Scarce .44 Rimfire Manufactured c. 1874 to 1878, this is a highly attractive example of the Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model revolver in the very scarce .44 Rimfire cartridge, also known as the "Turkish Model". It is pictured and noted by serial number on page 174 of the classic text "Smith & Wesson 1857-1945" by Robert J. Neal & Roy G. Jinks. Norm Flayderman lists around 500 Russian Second Model revolvers and an unknown number of (collectors believe around 250-300) Russian Third Model revolvers produced in ".44 Rimfire caliber" for commercial sale, most of which were over-runs from two military contract orders from the Turkish government. These revolvers were a contemporary competitor to the prolific Colt Single Action Army Revolver, having many beneficial features in comparison. Like the "Peacemaker", many of these No. 3 Russians saw extensive use in the American West. The top of the barrel rib on this example is marked with the standard one-line address ending with "RUSSIAN MODEL" and flanked by Maltese crosses. The scarce S&W "Reissue" stamping can be seen just in front of the large thumb screw used for cylinder removal. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, bottom of the barrel latch, and rear face of the barrel lug. It is fitted with a blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the barrel latch, a lanyard swivel on the butt, and a pair of period replacement smooth walnut grips with the right panel stamped "3587" inside.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 3 Russian

BBL: 6 1/2 inch solid rib

Gauge: 44 RF

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number356

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 98% plus of the pre-World War II factory refurbished blue finish and 75% of the muted case colors on the trigger guard and hammer, with some scattered light handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are also very fine with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A most rare and desirable S&W Russian Model in .44 Rimfire caliber worthy of addition to any collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000