Included in this lot is a Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian First Model single action revolver. This revolver is chambered in .44 American. The .44 American used an outside lubricated bullet, exactly the same diameter as the .44 Russian, but with a greater case neck diameter; this is because the .44 Russian was actually developed from this cartridge. It is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge, with a large rifle primer. It was either Boxer or Berdan primed, and could use either black powder or smokeless powder. This round became a standard chambering for all big bore Smith & Wesson revolvers until the smokeless powder loaded .44 Special was introduced in 1907. Most of this model saw extremely long and hard service with surviving examples rare today. Those that do occasionally show up on the collector market often display broken parts, cut-down barrels and heavily worn/pitted metal. This example shows a nice aged-gray patina on the metal surfaces with minimal evidence of rust. The top of the barrel is clearly and correctly marked “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Pat. July 10, 60, Jan. 17, Feb. 17, July 11 65 & Aug. 24, 69 Russian Model” walnut grips show wear commiserate with the rest of the revolver. The butt has a typical lanyard swivel hole filler screw- military revolvers were usually fitted with lanyard swivels while civilian guns had filler plugs. This revolver has the standard 8” barrel with matching assembly numbers on the cylinder and barrel latch. The action and automatic shell ejector function correctly although the cylinder stop spring only is weak. The bore shows poor rifling throughout. This is an extremely scarce and important frontier Smith & Wesson revolver of which survival rate is very small, especially in unaltered condition. Many advanced S&W collections lack an example in any condition of this rare and desirable model. This revolver is a prize for any S&W or Old West collector. Serial Number: 10191. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.