Manufactured c. 1897. The Smith & Wesson New Model Number 3 Target revolvers were developed as a direct competitor to Colt's Single Action Army and "Flat Top" target revolvers, produced from the late 1880s to 1910s. These revolvers were based on the No. 3 Schofield revolver and only chambered in a target type cartridge, with this specific example being chambered for .38-44 S&W; out of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, only 1,413 were chambered in .38-44 caliber. Refer to pages 107-108 of "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (3rd Edition) by Supica and Nahas. Features a beaded blade front and early adjustable target notch rear sight screwed into the rear of the barrel latch (with the existing notch widened), refinished/modified trigger guard, Smith & Wesson address marked between two Maltese crosses on top of the barrel rib, Smith & Wesson trade mark on the right of the frame, and a unique period modified skeletonized trigger. Matching visible "2676" serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips. Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection

Exceptionally fine as period upgraded (see above), retaining 90% plus original blue finish and 80% plus case colors with some minor edge wear, a light cylinder drag line, some limited thinning on the grip straps, a few scattered patches of brown patina/freckling visible, and some light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.