{"id":526,"date":"2022-11-09T04:29:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T04:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=526"},"modified":"2022-11-09T04:29:57","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T04:29:57","slug":"collectible-firearms-for-serious-gun-collectors-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=526","title":{"rendered":"Collectible Firearms for Serious Gun Collectors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Most members of the firearms fraternity will instantly recognize <a to=\"https:\/\/www.nrablog.com\/articles\/2015\/5\/28\/washington-post-magazine-sits-with-nra-museums-director-jim-supica\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nrablog.com\/articles\/2015\/5\/28\/washington-post-magazine-sits-with-nra-museums-director-jim-supica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Jim Supica<\/a>. A renowned author, historian, and valued contributor in the world of fine arms collecting, Jim Supica worked as an antique gun dealer before serving as director of the NRA National Firearms Museums and appearing in numerous television and radio segments.<\/p>\n<p>In the <a to=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/author\/list\/22193.Jim_Supica\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/author\/list\/22193.Jim_Supica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">numerous books Jim Supica authored or coauthored<\/a> and in his countless columns for \u2018American Rifleman\u2019 and \u2018Shotgun News\u2019 he documented some of the rarest and most historic firearm, particularly classic Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers. In many ways, Jim\u2019s writing drove his collection, and his collection inspired his writing in turn.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption\">\n<div class=\"YoutubeLazyLoaderPlaceholder-sc-1tylfmf-1 fdWWLI\"><span><noscript><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption><em>Firearms author, historian, and former director of the NRA Museum Jim Supica discusses Theodore Roosevelt&#8217;s Smith &amp; Wesson revolver.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout his remarkable career, Supica assembled an impressive collection of Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers and a unique assortment of serial no. 1 guns. Rock Island Auction Company has the great privilege to present Jim Supica\u2019s world-class gun collection to the public in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/gun-auctions\/premier-firearms-auction-87\">December\u2019s 9-11 Premier Firearms Auction<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With over 80 fantastic pieces up for bid, the Supica collection includes something for every price point, including numerous rarities that are absent from even the most advanced private collections. Below, we\u2019ll highlight some of the scarcest and most intriguing Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers offered in this tremendous gun collection.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/catalog\/87\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/New-Model-No.-3-Single-Action-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/New-Model-No.-3-Single-Action-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/New-Model-No.-3-Single-Action-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/New-Model-No.-3-Single-Action-Target-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"New-Model-No.-3-Single-Action-Target-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>Some of the finest 19th-century big-frame Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers are up for bid as part of the Jim Supica gun collection this December.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-jesse-james-revolver\">The Jesse James Revolver<\/h3>\n<p>This extraordinary Smith &amp; Wesson First Model Schofield revolver is tied to <a to=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/americanexperience\/features\/james-jesse\/\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/americanexperience\/features\/james-jesse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">outlaw Jesse James<\/a> through three different threads, each leading to the James Gang. Firstly, the chain of ownership is documented in signed statements and affidavits stretching back to the 1880s. Secondly, the holster accompanying the gun appears to be the left-hand mate to the famous holster and cartridge belt displayed by Jesse James, Jr. on an exhibit board of his father&#8217;s firearms, sometimes referred to as the &#8216;Crittenden Board&#8217;. Finally, the \u201cA.H. RYAN\u201d marking under the grip is a likely reference to Andy Ryan, a member of the James Gang in its later years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1075\/outlaw-jesse-james-attributed-smith-wesson-schofield-holster\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Jesse-James-Gun.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Jesse-James-Gun.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Jesse-James-Gun.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Jesse-James-Gun.jpg\" alt=\"Jesse-James-Gun\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A Smith &amp; Wesson First Model Schofield Single Action revolver and holster attributed to Jesse James, with extensive documentation.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This Jesse James revolver has been displayed in the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum and the National Firearms Museum. Numerous publications have discussed the historic Schofield, including \u2018Old Guns and Whispering Ghosts\u2019 by Jesse L. Hardin and \u2018Smith &amp; Wesson Sixguns of the Old West\u2019 by David R. Chicoine. In \u2018Guns West!: A Retrospective of the Old West\u2019 this revolver is listed as \u201cSmith &amp; Wesson 1st Model Schofield with Holster serial no. 273, .45 Smith &amp; Wesson Schofield caliber. This revolver and holster are attributed to the outlaw Jesse James (1847-1882) and match the revolver and holster set kept by Governor Thomas T. Crittenden.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1075\/outlaw-jesse-james-attributed-smith-wesson-schofield-holster\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-Jesse-James.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-Jesse-James.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-Jesse-James.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-Jesse-James.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-Jesse-James\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>Only 3,035 First Model Schofields were manufactured in 1875, mainly for the U.S. Army, though many were sold off as surplus in the 1880s and carried by outlaws such as the notorious Jesse James.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-revolvers-of-theodore-roosevelt-and-leonard-wood\">The Smith &amp; Wesson Revolvers of Theodore Roosevelt and Leonard Wood<\/h3>\n<p>Theodore Roosevelt&#8217;s engraved Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver ranks high on the pantheon of fine and historic firearms. With its condition, rarity, and historic provenance to the 26th American president, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/theodore-roosevelt-revolver-smith-and-wesson\">Roosevelt\u2019s revolver<\/a> is the pinnacle of Jim Supica\u2019s collection and is the very definition of a legacy gun.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/84\/documented-colonel-theodore-roosevelt-smith-wesson-no-3\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/09\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-No-3.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/09\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-No-3.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/09\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-No-3.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/09\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-No-3.jpg\" alt=\"One of the most American guns offered to the public Teddy Roosevelt Smith and Wesson No 3\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>Roosevelt\u2019s remarkable revolver comes with a factory letter confirming by serial number that it was shipped to \u201cColonel Roosevelt\u201d on May 12, 1898, the same day Roosevelt left for San Antonio to train the Rough Riders.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In addition to the gun\u2019s immense historic provenance to one of the most famous Americans of all time, Roosevelt\u2019s stunning Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 features incredible engraving and includes a scarce chambering in .38 Long Colt, the U.S. service cartridge at the time. Roosevelt\u2019s revolver is one of a scant few New Model No. 3s known in this configuration.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/84\/documented-colonel-theodore-roosevelt-smith-wesson-no-3\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/10\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/10\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/10\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/10\/Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Teddy-Roosevelt-Smith-and-Wesson-revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>An absolute national treasure, Roosevelt\u2019s Smith and Wesson is one of the few documented presidential guns offered to the collectible public.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Leonard Wood famously led the Rough Riders and was a close friend to Theodore Roosevelt, so it\u2019s only fitting that Wood\u2019s Smith &amp; Wesson revolver also goes to auction this December. This .<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/rough-rider-revolver-leonard-wood-smith-wesson\">44 DA First Model revolver was shipped to Gen. Leonard Wood<\/a> in 1905 while he was governor of Moro Province in the Philippines.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/87\/general-leonard-woods-smith-wesson-44-double-action-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/10\/Theodore_Roosevelt-_Leonard_Wood-_and_Alexander_Brodie_in_1898-Leonard-Wood-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/10\/Theodore_Roosevelt-_Leonard_Wood-_and_Alexander_Brodie_in_1898-Leonard-Wood-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/10\/Theodore_Roosevelt-_Leonard_Wood-_and_Alexander_Brodie_in_1898-Leonard-Wood-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/10\/Theodore_Roosevelt-_Leonard_Wood-_and_Alexander_Brodie_in_1898-Leonard-Wood-revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Theodore_Roosevelt-_Leonard_Wood-_and_Alexander_Brodie_in_1898-Leonard-Wood-revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A gun owned by Leonard Wood, one of the most significant American military leaders of the late 19th century and early 20th century.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The frame of Wood\u2019s Smith &amp; Wesson was made prior to 1899, classifying this remarkable gun as an antique. As the revolver of a statesman and Medal of Honor-winning military leader whose four-decade career spanned the Geronimo campaign, the Spanish-American War, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/john-browning-the-birth-of-the-model-1911\">the Moro uprising<\/a> in the Philippines, this Smith &amp; Wesson is a legacy piece of American history.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/87\/general-leonard-woods-smith-wesson-44-double-action-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/10\/Wood-revolver-right-1.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/10\/Wood-revolver-right-1.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/10\/Wood-revolver-right-1.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/10\/Wood-revolver-right-1.jpg\" alt=\"Wood-revolver-right-1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>The revolver of a Rough Rider. Leonard Wood was an influential figure in American and U.S. military history.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-new-model-no-3\">The Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3<\/h3>\n<p>Introduced in 1878, the Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver became a smashing success around the globe. Theodore Roosevelt, Virgil Earp, and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/great-shooters-old-guns-from-buffalo-bills-wild-west\">Buffalo Bill\u201d Cody<\/a> all owned a New Model No. 3, and the revolver was particularly popular with champion shooters such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/the-silver-winchester-of-ira-paine-master-shooter-of-the-world\/\">Ira Payne<\/a>, Oscar Olson, F. E. Bennett, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/walter-winans-and-the-guns-of-an-olympian\">Walter Winans<\/a>, and James Conlin. Jim Supica\u2019s gun collection includes numerous prestigious and significant examples of the New Model No. 3, including elaborately finished pieces exhibited at the 1893 World&#8217;s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3118\/1893-worlds-fair-young-engraved-sw-new-model-no-3-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/1893-Worlds-Fair-Young-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/1893-Worlds-Fair-Young-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/1893-Worlds-Fair-Young-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/1893-Worlds-Fair-Young-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"1893-Worlds-Fair-Young-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>This sensational Gustave Young panel scene exhibition engraved Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolver displayed at the 1893 World\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago is an exceptionally rare masterwork that embodies the high art firearms scene of the late 19th century.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Next, we have another elite example of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/smith-wesson-new-model-gun-auction\">New Model No. 3<\/a> from Gustave Young\u2019s son, Oscar Young, who worked at his father\u2019s side and eventually succeeded him as one of Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s most prominent factory engravers. \u00a0A Target Model chambered in .38-44, this revolver is pictured in Dean Boorman&#8217;s \u2018The History of Smith &amp; Wesson Firearms\u2019 and on the cover of the 3rd edition of Richard Nahas and Jim Supica\u2019s \u2018Standard Catalog of Smith &amp; Wesson.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3109\/oscar-young-engraved-smith-wesson-new-model-no-3-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No3-target-revolver-engraved-by-Oscar-Young.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No3-target-revolver-engraved-by-Oscar-Young.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No3-target-revolver-engraved-by-Oscar-Young.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No3-target-revolver-engraved-by-Oscar-Young.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No3-target-revolver-engraved-by-Oscar-Young\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>In the accompanying factory letter, Smith &amp; Wesson historian Roy Jinks identifies the engraver of this exemplary New Model No. 3 Target revolver as Oscar Young.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The New Model No. 3 was extremely popular overseas, as evidenced by this fantastic presentation piece from the head of the Argentine National Guard, Teofilo Gomila, to the Governor of San Luis province, Juan Sa\u00e1 in 1880. This breathtaking Smith &amp; Wesson revolver wears a set of plain pearl grips with the left panel featuring the inscription: \u201cTeofilo C. Gomila\/a \/Juan Saa.\u201d Author Dean Boorman notes the scrollwork engraving as an example of \u201cthe typical Young family style.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1087\/engraved-civilian-smith-wesson-schofield-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Civilian-Smith-and-Wesson-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Civilian-Smith-and-Wesson-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Civilian-Smith-and-Wesson-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Civilian-Smith-and-Wesson-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Engraved-Civilian-Smith-and-Wesson-Schofield-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A spectacular Argentina shipped, near full coverage factory exhibition quality engraved Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver with pearl grips.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-schofield-revolver\">The Smith &amp; Wesson Schofield Revolver<\/h3>\n<p>A prominent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/what-is-the-gun-in-big-iron\">big iron revolver<\/a> of the late 19th century, the Smith &amp; Wesson First Model Schofield single action was conceived by Col. George Schofield as an improvement to the No. 3 American for military use, offering a top break design that allowed for greater ease of loading compared to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/affordable-colt-single-action-armys\">Colt SAA<\/a>. The first 3,000 Schofield revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Government in 1875, including the award-winning serial no. 1, an Old West survivor that exhibits all the hallmarks of a well-traveled sidearm on the American frontier.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3117\/serial-no-1-smith-wesson-uswells-fargo-schofield-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Serial-No.-1-Smith---Wesson-U.S.-Wells-Fargo-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Serial-No.-1-Smith---Wesson-U.S.-Wells-Fargo-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Serial-No.-1-Smith---Wesson-U.S.-Wells-Fargo-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Serial-No.-1-Smith---Wesson-U.S.-Wells-Fargo-Schofield-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Serial-No.-1-Smith---Wesson-U.S.-Wells-Fargo-Schofield-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>An NRA Silver Medal award-winning, first production Serial Number 1 Smith &amp; Wesson U.S.\/Wells Fargo First Model Schofield single action revolver. As the first production gun, this Schofield almost certainly saw military service during the Indian Wars before finding its way into civilian service with the famed Western express and banking enterprise Wells Fargo.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Most of the original 3,000 First Model Schofield revolvers produced and the 5,000 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3121\/san-francisco-policeus-smith-wesson-schofield-revolver\">Second Model Schofield<\/a> revolvers manufactured from 1876 to 1877 went to the American cavalry, state militias, and law enforcement agencies, but the Schofield quickly attracted attention in the civilian market as well. In the included factory letter, the Second Model revolver below is confirmed as a rare commercial Schofield that was shipped on September 5, 1878, and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City with a nickel finish. Estimates place the number of civilian guns produced at only 650.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1087\/engraved-civilian-smith-wesson-schofield-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Rare-Civilian-Sale-and-New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-Second-Model-Schofield-Single-Action-Revolver-with-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Rare-Civilian-Sale-and-New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-Second-Model-Schofield-Single-Action-Revolver-with-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Rare-Civilian-Sale-and-New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-Second-Model-Schofield-Single-Action-Revolver-with-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Rare-Civilian-Sale-and-New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-Second-Model-Schofield-Single-Action-Revolver-with-Factory-Letter.jpg\" alt=\"Rare-Civilian-Sale-and-New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-Second-Model-Schofield-Single-Action-Revolver-with-Factory-Letter\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A civilian sale, New York engraved Smith &amp; Wesson Second Model Schofield revolver from the Jim Supica gun collection. As a commercial variation, the revolver correctly lacks sub inspector marks and \u201cUS\u201d markings as found on martial contracts.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson also assembled a limited number of revolvers that were sent to shooting clubs as presentation pieces for competition winners. These highly prized, purpose-built <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/81\/club-gun-smith-wesson-44-double-action-frontier-revolver\">\u201cclub guns\u201d<\/a> bore a serial no. \u20180\u2019 or a zero prefix on the butt. According to Richard Nahas and Jim Supica on page 336 of the \u2018Standard Catalog of Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019 only 750 club guns were made, making them highly desirable collector\u2019s arms today.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/80\/club-gun-smith-wesson-first-model-schofield-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Club-Gun-Smith-and-Wesson-First-Model-Schofield.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Club-Gun-Smith-and-Wesson-First-Model-Schofield.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Club-Gun-Smith-and-Wesson-First-Model-Schofield.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Club-Gun-Smith-and-Wesson-First-Model-Schofield.jpg\" alt=\"Club-Gun-Smith-and-Wesson-First-Model-Schofield\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A rare and intriguing \u201cclub gun\u201d, serial no. \u20180\u2019 Smith &amp; Wesson First Model Schofield revolver.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-aircrewman-revolvers\">The Smith &amp; Wesson Aircrewman Revolvers<\/h3>\n<p>Jim Supica has a fine eye for rarity, so the inclusion of a pair of elusive Smith &amp; Wesson Aircrew revolvers in his collection should pose no surprise. The coveted Baby Aircrewman revolver was manufactured on government contract for the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and early 1953. These lightweight revolvers were intended for use by flight crews as survival weapons in the event of an emergency landing. Reportedly, Smith &amp; Wesson manufactured 605 J-frame Aircrewman revolvers and like this example they fall into the A.F.No. 1795 to A.F.No. 2399 serial number range. The <a to=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BFIQxM7gaqU\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BFIQxM7gaqU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Baby Aircrewman model<\/a> was subsequently rejected due to safety issues encountered with the alloy cylinder and most were destroyed by the government. The few surviving examples are some of the most sought-after U.S. military revolvers ever manufactured.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1466\/usaf-smith-wesson-baby-aircrewman-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/U.S.A.F.-Smith---Wesson-Baby-Aircrewman.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/U.S.A.F.-Smith---Wesson-Baby-Aircrewman.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/U.S.A.F.-Smith---Wesson-Baby-Aircrewman.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/U.S.A.F.-Smith---Wesson-Baby-Aircrewman.jpg\" alt=\"U.S.A.F.-Smith---Wesson-Baby-Aircrewman\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>An extraordinarily rare U.S.A.F. Smith &amp; Wesson five shot Baby Aircrewman DA revolver, an elite treasure in any U.S. military firearms collection.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Manufactured from late 1953 to early 1954, <a to=\"http:\/\/smith-wessonforum.com\/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961\/484542-my-m13-aircrewman-revolover.html\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"http:\/\/smith-wessonforum.com\/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961\/484542-my-m13-aircrewman-revolover.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the M13<\/a> was another Aircrewman Smith &amp; Wesson revolver produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force. Designated and stamped \u201cM13&#8243;, these rare six shot revolvers were produced with a similar lightweight alloy as their Baby Aircrewman predecessors and designed for the same low-pressure cartridge, the M41 Ball .38 Special. According to \u2018The Small Arms Materiel &amp; Associated Equipment Technical Manual\u2019 from October, 1956 (TM-9-2200), the Aircrewman revolver was also used by investigative agents in the Air Force\u2019s Office of Special Investigations, the Army\u2019s Counter Intelligence Corps, and the Corps of Military Police.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1462\/usaf-smith-wesson-m13-aircrewman-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/USAF-Smith---Wesson-M13-Aircrewman-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/USAF-Smith---Wesson-M13-Aircrewman-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/USAF-Smith---Wesson-M13-Aircrewman-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/USAF-Smith---Wesson-M13-Aircrewman-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"USAF-Smith---Wesson-M13-Aircrewman-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A documented USAF Smith &amp; Wesson M13 Aircrewman DA revolver with a factory letter, one of the few survivors from an already scarce production run of 1,000.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-44-double-action-revolver\">The Smith &amp; Wesson .44 Double Action Revolver<\/h3>\n<p>When Colt beat Smith &amp; Wesson to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/colt-lightnings-thunderers\">the double action revolver market<\/a> in 1877, Smith &amp; Wesson responded in 1881 with an excellent line of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3116\/oscar-young-engraved-smith-wesson-32-double-action-revolver\">.32<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/88\/smith-wesson-38-double-action-perfected-model-revolver\">.38<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/76\/smith-wesson-44-double-action-first-model-revolver\">.44 DA<\/a> wheelguns. The Smith &amp; Wesson .44 Double Action revolver was primarily chambered in .44 Russian and was produced until 1913. Jim Supica\u2019s collection features a fine condition example that retains 95% of its original blue finish.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1077\/smith-wesson-44-double-action-first-model-target-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-.44-Double-Action-First-Model-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-.44-Double-Action-First-Model-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-.44-Double-Action-First-Model-Target-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-.44-Double-Action-First-Model-Target-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-.44-Double-Action-First-Model-Target-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>An excellent condition Smith &amp; Wesson .44 DA First Model revolver.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Offered next is a rare factory engraved example of a Smith &amp; Wesson .44 DA Frontier revolver which is pictured and identified in Dean Boorman&#8217;s \u2018The History of the Smith &amp; Wesson Firearms.\u2019 Only about 15,000 Smith &amp; Wesson double action Frontier models were produced, chambered in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/the-rifle-that-won-the-west-winchester-model-1873\">.44-40 ammunition<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/winchester-73-movie\">the Winchester \u201873\u2019s<\/a> most popular rifle cartridge and one of the most prevalent cartridges of the late 19th century. The Smith &amp; Wesson .44 DA Frontier allowed lawmen, scouts, and desperados to carry the same bullets in the saddlebag and on the gun belt without thinking twice which round they\u2019d grabbed for either rifle or revolver.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1076\/factory-engraved-smith-wesson-44-da-frontier-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Documented-Factory-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-44-Double-Action-Frontier-Revolver-with-Pearl-Grips-and-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Documented-Factory-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-44-Double-Action-Frontier-Revolver-with-Pearl-Grips-and-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Documented-Factory-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-44-Double-Action-Frontier-Revolver-with-Pearl-Grips-and-Factory-Letter.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Documented-Factory-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-44-Double-Action-Frontier-Revolver-with-Pearl-Grips-and-Factory-Letter.jpg\" alt=\"Documented-Factory-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-44-Double-Action-Frontier-Revolver-with-Pearl-Grips-and-Factory-Letter\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A Smith &amp; Wesson .44 DA Frontier revolver with pearl grips, factory engraved by Oscar Young.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-no-3-american-revolver\">The Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 American Revolver<\/h3>\n<p>After developing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/the-volcanic-pistol\">Volcanic pistol<\/a> in 1853, Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson formed the second iteration of their company in 1856 and turned their attention to developing cartridge revolvers with bored-through, rear-loading cylinders based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/dodging-rollin-whites-patent\">Rollin White patent<\/a>. The Smith &amp; Wesson <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/prisoner-of-war-and-congressman-alfred-elys-smith-wesson-model-1\">Model No. 1<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/dead-mans-hand-hickoks-deadwood-revolver\">Model No. 2<\/a> revolvers were well suited for the .22 and .32 cartridge, but the company\u2019s first true man stopper arrived in 1869 in the form of the large-framed Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Model chambered in the .44 Smith &amp; Wesson centerfire cartridge. This revolver was renamed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/7-most-american-guns\">\u201cthe American\u201d<\/a> in 1874 to differentiate it from the Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Russian Model. The Jim Supica gun collection includes a range of impressive Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 revolvers, including serial no. 486, one of the first 1,000 Model 3s that was purchased by the U.S. government in 1871, the first cartridge revolvers adopted by the American military.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3123\/us-smith-wesson-oil-hole-model-3-american-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/U.S.-Smith-and-Wesson-Oil-Hole-Model-3-American-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/U.S.-Smith-and-Wesson-Oil-Hole-Model-3-American-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/U.S.-Smith-and-Wesson-Oil-Hole-Model-3-American-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/U.S.-Smith-and-Wesson-Oil-Hole-Model-3-American-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"U.S.-Smith-and-Wesson-Oil-Hole-Model-3-American-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>This revolver is documented in \u2018Smith &amp; Wesson American Model\u2019 by Charles Pate and features the rarely seen oil hole (located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug) as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Typical chambering for the Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Model was in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3112\/smith-wesson-no-3-american-2nd-model-single-action-revolver\">.44 American<\/a> (the eventual name for the standard .44 Smith &amp; Wesson centerfire cartridge), but around 2,500 No. 3 American revolvers were chambered in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/henry-repeating-rifles-crate-ammo\">.44 Henry rimfire<\/a> cartridge to accommodate those who owned Henry and Winchester 1866 rifles. Many of these rimfire-chambered American Model revolvers went to Mexico through the Smith &amp; Wesson distributor Wexell &amp; DeGress where they saw hard use.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1086\/engraved-smith-wesson-no-3-american-44-rf-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-American.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-American.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-American.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-American.jpg\" alt=\"Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-American\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A New York engraved Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model single action revolver in .44 Henry rimfire with a relief carved Mexican Eagle grip.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In 1871, Smith &amp; Wesson was approached by the Imperial Russian Army with a substantial order for the No. 3 Model, but several changes were requested. The most important modification was made to the cartridge, called the .44 Russian, which became the first widely produced bullet to use internal lubrication. The .44 Russian cartridge quickly gained a reputation for accuracy and it wasn\u2019t uncommon for Smith &amp; Wesson Model No. 3 American revolvers to be rechambered for the round.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/70\/factory-exhibition-engraved-sw-no-3-american-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/factory-exhibition-engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-no-3-american-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/factory-exhibition-engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-no-3-american-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/factory-exhibition-engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-no-3-american-revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/factory-exhibition-engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-no-3-american-revolver.jpg\" alt=\"factory-exhibition-engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-no-3-american-revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A well-documented Gustave Young factory engraved Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model revolver chambered in .44 Russian. This fantastic piece from the Jim Supica gun collection has been featured by Smith &amp; Wesson at numerous exhibitions.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-smith-wesson-model-3-russian-revolver\">The Smith &amp; Wesson Model 3 Russian Revolver<\/h3>\n<p>In addition to requesting a new cartridge, Russian General Alexander Gorloff asked Smith &amp; Wesson to include a finger grip under the trigger guard and a squared-off grip frame to reduce the revolver from sliding as it recoiled. This became known as \u201cThe Russian Model.\u201d The design was further improved in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1081\/smith-wesson-no-3-russian-2nd-model-single-action-revolver\">2nd Model Russian<\/a>, with changes such as an interlocking hammer that locked the cylinder latch when it was in the down position.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1080\/smith-wesson-no-3-russian-1st-model-transitional-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-1st-Model-Transitional-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-1st-Model-Transitional-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-1st-Model-Transitional-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-1st-Model-Transitional-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-1st-Model-Transitional-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A solid representative example of a Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Russian 1st Model revolver. Jim Supica loaned this piece to the Smith &amp; Wesson Performance Center in 2002 to serve as a template for a new line of No. 3 reproductions.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson continued to refine the Russian Model as production continued and they incorporated the improvements into the 2nd Model American revolvers as well. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1105\/inscribed-smith-wesson-no-3-russian-revolver\">The Russian revolver<\/a> and its new ammunition proved popular in America and Mexico, particularly with target shooters. The engraved Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Russian 3rd Model from the Jim Supica gun collection represents a revolver that would have been a fitting presentation piece for a wealthy businessman or a Mexican ranchero and bears the markings of a well-traveled gun from south of the border.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3122\/new-york-engraved-smith-wesson-no-3-russian-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"New-York-Engraved-Smith-and-Wesson-No.-3-Russian-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a>*This Smith &amp; Wesson No. 3 Russian revolver was pictured in Jesse Hardin&#8217;s \u2018Old Guns and Whispering Ghosts\u2019 and displayed at the NRA Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) Exhibit 2015. *<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"smith-wesson-revolvers-from-around-the-world\">Smith &amp; Wesson Revolvers from around the World<\/h3>\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson developed their finest single action, top break revolver yet in the form of the New Model No. 3 or \u201cModel No 3 New Model\u201d. Offered in an assortment of standard barrel lengths and chambered primarily in .44 Russian, additional calibers were available through special order or in the form of several target models. Though the New Model No. 3 saw tremendous sales in the final years of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/the-rifle-that-won-the-west-winchester-model-1873\">the American West<\/a>, nearly 40% of these revolvers were produced for foreign militaries and police forces.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/1083\/british-generals-smith-wesson-new-model-no-3-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/British-Generals-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/British-Generals-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/British-Generals-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/British-Generals-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"British-Generals-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A cased Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 Target revolver documented to British general Charles Edwin Haig, one of only 4,300 target variations manufactured in .32-44.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To say that the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/78\/smith-wesson-new-model-no-3-38-win-revolver-serial-no-1\">New Model No. 3<\/a> was a worldwide favorite would be an understatement. Customers included Russia, Turkey, Japan, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Argentina, Italy, Switzerland, and China. One of the most obscure destinations for these revolvers was the Australian outback. Smith &amp; Wesson manufactured 310 New Model No. 3 revolvers for the Southern Australian Colonial Police, all with nickel finish, 7 inch barrels, and detachable shoulder stocks, where they were carried in holster and scabbard on horseback.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3125\/australian-smith-wesson-new-model-no-3-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Australian-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver-1.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Australian-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver-1.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Australian-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver-1.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Australian-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver-1.jpg\" alt=\"Australian-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>A documented Australian contract Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 single action revolver with holster, shoulder stock, and scabbard. This high  condition example is listed by serial number in LTC Charles W. Pate&#8217;s article \u2018Smith &amp; Wesson&#8217;s Australian Model\u2019 published in the May\/June 1988 issue of \u2018Man at Arms.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Japanese Navy preferred the New Model No. 3 revolver in a 6 1\/2 inch barrel. These Japanese contract guns were exported to Japan via distributors Ahrens and Takata &amp; Co. starting in 1879 and are today rarely found in the United States. The accompanying factory letter confirms that the example pictured below was shipped on October 4, 1890 to Takata &amp; Co. located in New York City, then in turn to Yokohama, Japan. The revolver was acquired during WW2 as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/war-trophies-bring-back-guns-gaining-in-value\">bring back gun<\/a> and found its way to America after the war.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/detail\/87\/3126\/japanese-navy-smith-wesson-new-model-no-3-revolver\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Japanese-Navy-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Japanese-Navy-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Japanese-Navy-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Japanese-Navy-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese-Navy-Smith-and-Wesson-New-Model-No.-3-Revolver\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>Scarce and documented Japanese Navy contract Smith &amp; Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"top-gun-collections-at-rock-island-auction-company\">Top Gun Collections at Rock Island Auction Company<\/h3>\n<p>It goes without saying that Jim Supica has an enormous appreciation for Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers and firearms heritage as a whole. The examples we\u2019ve touched on here only scratch the surface of Jim Supica\u2019s meticulously built gun collection. From exhibition pieces, historic icons, serial no. 1s, and guns marked with frontier wear, the Supica collection offers something for every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/gun-collection-must-haves\">gun collecting aspiration<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/catalog\/87\"><span class=\"PictureContainer-sc-468i5r-0 jTQHke\"><picture><span><noscript><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w1200\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-revolvers-from-Jim-Supica.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 601px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w600\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-revolvers-from-Jim-Supica.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 301px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/size\/w300\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-revolvers-from-Jim-Supica.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 300px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.rockislandauction.com\/ghost\/2022\/11\/Smith-and-Wesson-revolvers-from-Jim-Supica.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-revolvers-from-Jim-Supica\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/picture><\/span><\/a><em>Smith &amp; Wesson revolvers from the Jim Supica gun collection.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As the world\u2019s number one gun auction since 2003, Rock Island Auction Company has featured some of the most desirable collections in the fine arms pursuit. December\u2019s fantastic lineup includes offerings from the Don and Carol Wilkerson Collection, the Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, the George F. Gamble Collection, and more. Subscribe to the weekly <a to=\"https:\/\/rockislandauction.us13.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=ade8396c719b3abbeacf57a7e&amp;id=1f4b8db853\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/rockislandauction.us13.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=ade8396c719b3abbeacf57a7e&amp;id=1f4b8db853\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Rock Island Auction newsletter<\/a> to receive new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\">gun blogs<\/a> and <a to=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/RockIslandAuctionCompany\" class=\"PolymorphicBaseButtonTag-sc-1b58tp5-0 jsKEyT Button-sc-19r8ufz-0 TextButton-sc-1fnl7pb-0 QljdY edPWUk\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/RockIslandAuctionCompany\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">gun videos<\/a> on celebrated names in gun collecting like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/joe-wanenmacher-gun-collection\">Joe Wanenmacher<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/george-moller-gun-collection\">George Moller<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/hank-williams-jr-gun-collection\">Hank Williams Jr<\/a><u>.<\/u><\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption\">\n<div class=\"YoutubeLazyLoaderPlaceholder-sc-1tylfmf-1 fdWWLI\"><span><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/ZlUHEDuGY4c\/hqdefault.jpg\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption><em>Joe Wanenmacher, founder of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/tulsa-gun-show\">Tulsa Arms Show<\/a>, developed an appreciation for rare and unique firearms, as exhibited by his collection\u2019s vast range of unique repeating flintlocks. Rock Island Auction Company is proud and deeply honored to present Joe Wanenmacher&#8217;s world-class gun collection to the public this December.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockislandauction.com\/riac-blog\/smith-and-wesson-revolvers-jim-supica-gun-collection\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most members of the firearms fraternity will instantly recognize Jim Supica. A renowned author, historian, and valued contributor in the world of fine arms collecting, Jim Supica worked as an antique gun dealer before serving as director of the NRA National Firearms Museums and appearing in numerous television and radio segments. In the numerous books [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}