Lot 56

Walter Winans Pair of Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolvers

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Walter Winans Pair of Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolvers

Estimate: $35,000 - $55,000

Starting Bid: $30,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Famed Marksman and Olympian Walter Winans Shipped Pair of Exhibition Quality Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers with Pearl Grips and Factory Letters -A) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver Famed Marksman and Olympian Walter Winans Shipped Pair of Exhibition Quality Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers with Pearl Grips and Factory Letters -A) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver These extraordinary revolvers were made for Walter Winans (1852-1920), one of the world's leading marksmen in the early 20th century. Each revolver comes with a factory letter that states the revolvers were shipped together on April 29, 1903, and delivered to Walter Winans in London, England. Winans competed in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics and won a total of two Olympic shooting medals: a gold in 1908 and a silver in 1912. He also authored ten books including "The Art of Revolver Shooting," "Practical Rifle Shooting" and "Automatic Pistol Shooting." Apart from his shooting successes, Winans was a noted horse breeder and sculptor who exhibited his art fourteen times at the British Royal Academy and won an Olympic Gold Medal in the Arts Competition in 1912 for his statuette "An American Trotter." He is the only American to win medals in both art and sport at the Olympics. Winans was born to American parents in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he lived for the first 18 years of his life. Before taking up residence in England, Winans took the oath of allegiance at the U.S. Embassy. He did not visit the U.S. until he was 58 years old. To compete at the Olympic Games, Winans was required to swear his allegiance to the U.S. Consul General. Throughout his life he added fine firearms to his collection, and "The Art of Revolver Shooting" has plenty of praise and recommendations for Smith & Wesson revolvers, and he indicated he preferred single action revolvers with large calibers. This incredible pair of deluxe Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers features magnificent, exhibition quality floral motif engraving by Eugene Young, son of Gustave Young, himself also a Smith & Wesson master engraver. In the letter Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks states that due to the invoice missing he can say only that this special order pair was “possibly” engraved at the factory. However, the factory quality work is quite evident. The European influenced foliate motifs appear on the frame, top strap, barrel sides, cylinder flats, area behind the hammer, and back strap. Most of the flowers and buds are inlaid in gold. The quality of the engraving showcases the craftsmanship and an eye for beauty from a truly talented artisan, the delicacy of which Eugene Young is known for. The revolvers are furnished with highly attractive pearl grips featuring gold S&W medallions that complete this masterpiece. The left side of the barrels have the caliber marking "44 S&W CTG." Caliber marked New Model No. 3s are rarely encountered. The revolvers are fitted with target sights. The barrel ribs are stamped with the one-line address. On the "A" revolver, London proofs are present on the left side of the barrel, each cylinder flute, and left side of the frame. The "B" revolver lacks London proof marks. Matching respective serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: New Model No 3

BBL: 6 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Finish: blue/gold inlaid

Grips: pearl

Serial Number33862

Class: Antique

B) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver See "A."

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: New Model No 3

BBL: 6 1/2 inch solid rib

Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Finish: blue/gold inlaid

Grips: pearl

Serial Number33874

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Excellent as exhibition quality embellished, retaining 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown (heavier on the grip straps) on the balance. The engraving is crisp. 95% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. B) Exceptionally fine as exhibition quality embellished, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The back strap is mostly a smooth gray patina. The engraving is crisp. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. This extraordinary set of New Model No. 3s will be a welcome addition to any Smith & Wesson or firearms art collection. Simply fabulous works of art!

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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