Smith & Wesson Model 3 "Russian" Revolver, 1869, USA, 1880s.

Smith & Wesson Model 3 "Russian" Revolver, 1869, USA, 1880s. A fairly rare revolver in excellent condition. This gun is an exact copy of the American Model 3 export model revolver, supplied to the Russian market in the 1870s, differing only in the markings and the language of the inscription on the top rib of the barrel. Unlike the Russian model, this revolver has the inscription in English, although there is also an indication that this is a Russian model: "SPRNGFIELD. MASS. U.S.A.PAT.JULY.10.60.JAN.17.FEB.17.JULY.11.65.& AUG.24.69. RUSSIAN MODEL." After the Russian Empire and European countries established their own revolver production based on designs by European and Russian gunsmiths, unsold American stocks of original revolvers entered the civilian arms market in the United States. Approximately 3,000 Model 1869 revolvers also entered service with the American cavalry. The revolver features a break-action frame, allowing spent cartridges to be extracted when the barrel is tilted downward. The cylinder holds 6 chambers. The revolver has a "spur" on the trigger guard and a special ridge on the back of the grip, providing a firmer grip during firing. Caliber .44 "Russian" (10.67 mm). Excellent condition. Length 35 cm.