Antique Smith & Wesson Third Model Russian Commercial

This is an Antique Smith & Wesson Third Model Russian Commercial Version. This has a 6-1/2” barrel and a 6 shot fluted cylinder chambered in .44 Russian. This has a trigger guard spur, a round butt grip and an extreme knuckle at the top of the grip. This revolver has no original finish with numerous handling dings and tool marks on most screws.  The lanyard swivel has been removed. The barrel address is about 30% legible. There is a SH in a diamond on the butt above the serial number which indicates it was sold through Schuyler Hartley & Graham.  The grips show 14 “kill notches” on the right grip. Mechanically in good functioning condition.  Proper timing with a bit of a loose lockup but still very much functional. This is an honest looking antique revolver which seems to have a story to tell.
There were 60638 of these revolvers produced between 1874 and 1878 with only 13500 being produced for the commercial market. Smith and Wesson Model 3’s were a favourite among gunslingers of the Wild West due to their very accurate ammunition and fast reloading speed. These revolvers were said to have been carried by notable people such as John Wesley Hardin and William Frederick Cody A.K.A. Buffalo Bill. This revolver would definitely have people wanting to know more about it and would be a beautiful addition to any antique collection.