Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this seldom seen top-break single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson New Model No.3 “Australian Contract!"
In 1880–81, after South Australian officials examined the revolver at the Melbourne Exhibition, the colony placed what is now known as the Australian Contract, generally understood to include 250 nickel-plated 7" revolvers cut for detachable shoulder stocks and 30 additional 6 1/2" nickel revolvers without stock cuts, all chambered in .44 S&W Russian. When factoring in later small purchases and Exhibition-associated guns, most researchers estimate the total number of Australian-related New Model No. 3 revolvers at approximately 310. These contract guns were marked with the Australian broad-arrow acceptance stamp and issued to mounted police as a versatile arm—used as a powerful sidearm at close range and, with the detachable stock attached, for steadier long-range shooting. Serial numbers on surviving examples are known to cluster primarily in the 12202–13199 range. The revolvers remained in South Australian service until 1953, when they were sold as surplus to an American importer and dispersed into the collector market; examples retaining stocks and holsters are exceptionally desirable today.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No.3 “Australian Contract”
Serial: 12287
Date of Manufacture: 1880-1881
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 7"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front with Small Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Hard Rubber Grips with Checkering and S&W Medallions
Action: Top-Break / Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN.17 & 24. 65. JULY 11.65 / AUG.24.69. APR.20.75. FEB.20 & DEC.18.1877. REISSUE JULY 25.1871”. The bottom of the butt is stamped with the serial number “12287”, along with the Australian broad arrow proof mark. The cylinder face, the latch, and the butt are serial number-matching. The wooden stock is stamped with the serial number “13181”, along with the Australian broad arrow proof mark. The leather holster also features the Australian broad arrow proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 is a top-break, single-action, six-shot revolver most commonly chambered in .44 S&W Russian, though it was also produced in several other less-common calibers. Manufactured from about 1878 to 1912 with roughly 35,796 made, the revolver featured a fluted cylinder, a round-butt frame with hard-rubber or walnut grips, and was available in blued or nickel finishes with barrel lengths ranging from 3 1/2" to 8" (6 1/2" being the most typical). In 1880–81, after South Australian officials examined the revolver at the Melbourne Exhibition, the colony placed what is now known as the Australian Contract, generally understood to include 250 nickel-plated 7" revolvers cut for detachable shoulder stocks and 30 additional 6 1/2" nickel revolvers without stock cuts, all chambered in .44 S&W Russian. When factoring in later small purchases and Exhibition-associated guns, most researchers estimate the total number of Australian-related New Model No. 3 revolvers at approximately 310. These contract guns were marked with the Australian broad-arrow acceptance stamp and issued to mounted police as a versatile arm—used as a powerful sidearm at close range and, with the detachable stock attached, for steadier long-range shooting.
Model: New Model No.3 “Australian Contract”
Serial: 12287
Date of Manufacture: 1880-1881
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 7"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Blade Front with Small Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Hard Rubber Grips with Checkering and S&W Medallions
Action: Top-Break / Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN.17 & 24. 65. JULY 11.65 / AUG.24.69. APR.20.75. FEB.20 & DEC.18.1877. REISSUE JULY 25.1871”. The bottom of the butt is stamped with the serial number “12287”, along with the Australian broad arrow proof mark. The cylinder face, the latch, and the butt are serial number-matching. The wooden stock is stamped with the serial number “13181”, along with the Australian broad arrow proof mark. The leather holster also features the Australian broad arrow proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 is a top-break, single-action, six-shot revolver most commonly chambered in .44 S&W Russian, though it was also produced in several other less-common calibers. Manufactured from about 1878 to 1912 with roughly 35,796 made, the revolver featured a fluted cylinder, a round-butt frame with hard-rubber or walnut grips, and was available in blued or nickel finishes with barrel lengths ranging from 3 1/2" to 8" (6 1/2" being the most typical). In 1880–81, after South Australian officials examined the revolver at the Melbourne Exhibition, the colony placed what is now known as the Australian Contract, generally understood to include 250 nickel-plated 7" revolvers cut for detachable shoulder stocks and 30 additional 6 1/2" nickel revolvers without stock cuts, all chambered in .44 S&W Russian. When factoring in later small purchases and Exhibition-associated guns, most researchers estimate the total number of Australian-related New Model No. 3 revolvers at approximately 310. These contract guns were marked with the Australian broad-arrow acceptance stamp and issued to mounted police as a versatile arm—used as a powerful sidearm at close range and, with the detachable stock attached, for steadier long-range shooting.
South Australia also issued a distinctive saddle-mounted holster set consisting of a dedicated stock holster and a double-flap revolver holster designed to secure the gun even with the stock attached. Serial numbers on surviving examples are known to cluster primarily in the 12202–13199 range. The revolvers remained in South Australian service until 1953, when they were sold as surplus to an American importer and dispersed into the collector market; examples retaining stocks and holsters are exceptionally desirable today.
Contents:
This example will ship with the detachable wooden stock and the genuine leather holster!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
