This is an outstanding Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Large Frame Top Break revolver chambered in .44 Russian caliber with the factory shoulder stock in the box, dating to the early 1880’s—a true rarity. The New Model No.3 large frame top break revolver was considered one of the finest and most accurate revolvers of the 1870s to 1890s period. Some of the best and most famous target shooters of the day won their matches using a Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 in .44 Russian caliber. These tight fitting and superbly made revolvers were also popular on the American Frontier, as well as in countries in Europe and Australia. Theodore Roosevelt owned an engraved example that now resides in the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum. As with other Smith & Wesson models, on special order, these revolvers could be made “Cut for Stock.” Shoulder stocks were typically not serial numbered and were sold as an accessory, being packed at the factory in their own special boxes with end labels expressing that the box contained a revolver stock and for which particular model it was intended. In this case, the typical factory green box with orange end label is marked “SMITH & WESSON” over “EXTENSION 44 STOCK” over “SINGLE ACTION NICKEL.” Incredibly, the box is in generally excellent condition and retains the original inside wrapping paper. The walnut stock with nickel fittings is in mint, new condition. Two hundred fifty stocked revolvers with special holsters were shipped to Australia and these contract guns show a broad arrow and other proof mark stampings. These Australian contract guns are rare and are seldom encountered. However, even rarer, is an un-proof marked example probably intended for the commercial market. There are a number of New Model No. 3 revolvers that have been post-factory altered to accept a shoulder stock. A quick way to determine if the factory cut the revolver for stock is to view the serial number on the butt of the revolver. On standard revolvers, this number is placed exactly in the middle of the bottom of the grip frame or butt. If the revolver was altered after it left the factory, the serial number will be partially or fully defaced or obliterated when the cut for stock in this area was made. On a factory cut for stock No. 3, the serial number is off-set to allow for this cut to be made while keeping the serial number intact. This example has this important off-set serial number forward of the rectangular cut in the butt of the grip frame. Interestingly, the serial number of this revolver, #13204 (manufactured early 1880s), is just out of the Australian Contract serial number range and may have been an over-run that was sold on the commercial market. This revolver with factory 7” barrel and nickel finish is in superb original condition. There are some minor spots of nickel flaking, mainly on the sides of the frame and barrel. This is normal and the majority of the revolver, including the grip straps, retains nearly all the original S&W nickel finish. The serial numbers match on the frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel catch. There is still some vivid case color on the right side of the hammer. The black S&W embossed hard rubber grips show normal light handling, but are excellent. The barrel catch retains rich blue and the mechanics are excellent, with the automatic ejector extending and retracting with authority. The bore is bright and excellent. All New Model No. 3 revolvers are sought after on the collector market in almost all grades of condition. Very few are ever encountered factory cut for stock and this one comes with the correct, mint condition extension stock with the original box and end label! It can accurately be stated that the most advanced S&W collections do not have a matching set like this, especially in this fine state of preservation. This is truly museum quality and almost never offered for sale. Antique Firearm Serial Number 13204, manufactured in the early 1880’s, and does NOT require an FFL. The shoulder stock is in the original box; the pistol is not in its original box; both are authentic original pieces.