Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 - Rare Japanese Navy Contract Model

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: New Model No. 3 – Japanese Navy Contract Variation

Caliber: .44 Russian

Barrel Length: 6.5" ribbed barrel

Finish: Blued, approximately 80% original remaining

Sights: Pinned half moon front sight, fixed rear sight

Grips: Checkered walnut round butt stocks

Action: Single Action

Cylinder: 6-shot fluted

Serial Numbers: All matching

Manufacture Date: February 6, 1889

Letter of Authenticity: Included

Markings: Anchor stamp on backstrap (Japanese Navy acceptance)

DESCRIPTION:
This is a genuine Japanese Contract Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3, manufactured February 6, 1889, and shipped to Takata & Co. in Yokohama, Japan. These revolvers were contracted by the Japanese Navy and accepted into service, as indicated by the anchor acceptance mark on the backstrap. The revolver retains approximately 80% of its original blued finish, with light mottled wear throughout and pitting under the grips—but no active rust. All serial numbers match.

The bore and cylinder chambers are mirror bright. The action is extremely smooth, locks up tightly, and the timing is precise. The hammer is crisp and responsive, and the ejector functions as designed.

HISTORY:
The New Model No. 3 was produced from 1878 to 1898, with only 35,796 total manufactured. A portion of these were exported to Japan under military contract, where they became a favored sidearm of the Japanese Navy. Their popularity was so significant that Smith & Wesson featured a 1902 advertisement highlighting this exact model as “The Choice of the Japanese Navy.”

This particular revolver is a contract-accepted example and comes with a Smith & Wesson letter of authenticity confirming its shipping date and destination. The anchor stamp on the backstrap further authenticates its military use.

WHY THIS ONE?

Japanese Navy contract variation with anchor acceptance marking

Documented shipment to Takata & Co., Yokohama

Letter of authenticity included

80% original finish with all matching numbers

Smooth action and mirror-bright bore

Rare and desirable military variation of the New Model No. 3

Antique — no licence is required, ships directly to your door