^Lot 63 Early Production Engraved Remington-Smoot #3 Birds Head Revolver

Early Production Engraved Remington-Smoot #3 Birds Head Revolver, #NVSN, .38 RF Short cal., 3.75" octagon barrel without rib, two piece pearl grips, fixed blade front sight, and notched rear sight. Fixed V notch rear sight, fixed blade front sight. Metal surfaces with extensive period applied floral scroll engraving with scalloped borders, punch dot background, and checkered patterns to both sides of the barrel. Top of the barrel is marked with a partially legible address that reads "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION, N.Y. PAT. W.S. SM.." Approx. 12,500 were manufactured in this configuration without the barrel rib, few were engraved. Overall condition of this revolver is very good, displaying approx. 65%-70% nickel finish, showing areas of flaking, light oxidation, and pitting. Pearl grips are near good, showing two old chips to the right grip panel and another small sliver missing from the left panel. Barrel address is partially legible and some of the engraving is soft. Action is crisp. Bore is fair with visible rifling and scattered erosion. Est.: $1,000-$1,500. (Antique) (Michael Strietbeck Collection)