Date of manufacture for a S&W New Model 3?

[H Wally]

So, a smith and wesson new model 3 with serial # 12115. Pre-1898 or post?

I know new model threes began production 1878, but I think they ran that model until 1912, so 50-50 odds of it being an antique...

Anyone know?

 

[jethunter]

My source is Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wessson, which lists the following info for date of manufacture of New Model #3 (does not include Target, Turkish, Frontier, or DA variants)

Estimated Ranges Only
1878 - 1885 1 - 14000
1883 - 1890 14000 - 20000
1887 - 1898 20000 - 35796

It appears serial no. 12115 would have been made 1885 or earlier. Early S&W revolvers can be hard to date. If you were looking to buy this revolver the best thing to do would be to attempt to get the RCMP antique letter for it prior to purchase. If they give you the letter, it's antique.

 

[Win 38-55]

all original NM #3 frames were made prior to 1898. Thus, all are considered to be antique by the RCMP. It is the DA's that span the antique cut-off.

 

[Levi Garrett]

Love the top break guns, I want one, heck even h&r 999

999