Identify This Gun, Historic Photograph

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Forhand Wadsworth?

Too early. The FW didn't come out until about 1874 and were scarce as eyebrows on eggs. I'll go with the First Model American.

[Deacon Henry, SASS #53503L]

Forty Rod, thanks for the time frame clarification. Best regards, Deacon

[Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283]

 

My first thought on the pistol, because of the curvature was a Volcanic.

 

A Volcanic? Where is the lever?

 

And what self respecting frontiersman would venture into the wilderness with a silly 41 caliber Rocketball pipsqueak gun?

[Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283]

Several posters have mentioned S&W #3.

 

Here is a little primer about the #3 Smiths.

 

Unlike today, where a K frame is a K frame, and they all look pretty much alike, with the Top Break Smiths, #3 simply meant 'large frame'. There were five distinctly different models of S&W Top Break revolvers built on the #3 size frame, but they all appeared quite distinct from each other.

 

The first was the American Model, which I have already pictured. Two different models, made from 1870 until 1874.

 

 

 

 

 

Then came the Russian Models. The First Model Russian looked exactly like the American Model, only different in caliber. But the 2nd and 3rd model Russians featured the distinctive spur on the trigger guard and the large hump, or 'knuckle' on the grip frame. The Russian models were made from 1871 until 1878 and there were around 150,000 of them made. This is a photo of a 2nd Model Russian, made in 1875.

 

 

 

 

 

Then came the Schofield, only made from 1875 until 1877 in two different models. Only about 7000 were made. The distinctive latch attached to the frame sets the Schofield apart from all the other #3s. Notice the grip frame does not sweep forward quite so far as on the American model. This 1st Model Schofield was made in 1875.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then there was the New Model Number Three, the epitome of S&W #3 design. Cataloged from 1878 until 1908, although all frames were manufactured before 1899. The latch was back at the barrel extension, the frame was modified with a reduced knuckle at the grip, and the extractor housing was greatly reduced. This New Model Number Three was made in 1882.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then finally, there was the 44 Double Action. Cataloged from 1881 until 1913. The only double action #3 Top Break S&W made. Manufactured in several different configurations. This nickel plated, 44 Russian Target Model was made in 1895.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are the five different configurations of Smith and Wesson Top Break #3 revolvers. Personally, I think the revolver in the old photo closely resembles the American Model.