Group,

 

Below is one of the first (if not the first) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 that was billed to the U.S. Treasury Department for the Revenue Cutter Service (pre-cursor to the United States Coast Guard).  

 

This revolver, serial number 17163, with 6.5" blue barrel was shipped on October 7, 1882 to Captain George W. Moore.  the records are hard to read and the letter writer indicated that Captain Moore was part of the U.S.P.M.  After a little research, it was clear that Captain George W. Moore was a decorated officer in the United States Revenue Service - Marine (USRM).  

 

The revolvers (10 of them) were destined to for the Cutter Ship Forward that was commissioned in November of 1882.  Below is the factory letter on the revolver, a picture of Captain Moore, and his obituary in a United States Life Savings publication.  The Life savings service and the Revenue Cutter Service merged in 1915 to form the USCG.

 

One final note, when I originally obtained this revolver it had black rubber grips like the letter stated (but not number to the revolver).  I later found the original numbered grips on a Japanese Navy New Model 3.  I have no idea how they go separate but the gun "gods" were looking down on me when I found them.  

 

 

 

 

 

larkworthy,

I've been watching you posts from the beginning. I just have to say your collection and your knowledge are beyond reproach. I always liked S&W martial arms. At one time I had a Victory model that went to the Goodyear factory according to Mr. Jinks at S&W. Foolishly I sold it for $500.00 years ago. Anyway thank you for posting  your wonderful collection of Smith& Wesson's.  Keep them coming.

 

Tom

3 minutes ago, tthen said:

larkworthy,

I've been watching you posts from the beginning. I just have to say your collection and your knowledge are beyond reproach. I always liked S&W martial arms. At one time I had a Victory model that went to the Goodyear factory according to Mr. Jinks at S&W. Foolishly I sold it for $500.00 years ago. Anyway thank you for posting  your wonderful collection of Smith& Wesson's.  Keep them coming.

 

Tom

Totally agree with your sentiments regarding larkworthy's posts.  -- Matt

Thank you for the compliments!   I was inspired by my military service and fellow Ordnance Officers Charles Pate and Charlie Flick.  I also have learned a lot from Kevin Williams.  

 

 "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"