Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1083

Lot 1083:British General's Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

December 10th, 2022|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1083

Lot 1083:British General's Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

December 10th, 2022|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$4,500 - $6,500
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Cased Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 .32-44 Single Action Target Revolver Documented to Decorated Second Boer War and World War I Brigadier General Roland Charles Haig

The New Model 3 dominated target competitions in the late 1800s and are found in the serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, 2,930 were chambered in .32-44 caliber. These revolvers were introduced in 1887. The revolver features target sights, two-line barrel rib legend ending with the re-issue patent date, and matching three digit serial number "514" on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. "A 403" is finely engraved on the front strap. The British style oak case has an interesting handwritten "Directions for use" on the interior of the lid and the name "C.E. Haig" inscribed on the brass lid disk. Includes a box of UMC .32-44 cartridges. The accompanying letter of provenance on Michael Miller letterhead states that the revolver belonged to Charles Edwin Haig (1849-1917) who "in turn gave it to his son R.C. Haig when he received his commission in the 16th Lancers in 1894. He served in the South African Wars and received the Queens Medal and four clasps [Cape Colony, Orange River Colony, Johannesburg, and Diamond Hill]. During the Great War 1914-1918 he was mentioned in dispatches five times. Received the Distinguished Service Order in 1915...He received that bar to the DSO in 1917 and a second in 1918. In 1917 he was made a brigadier general." The letter erroneously states General Roland Charles Haig was killed in action in 1942. During the Third Battle of the Aisne on May 27, 1918, General Haig's headquarters was heavily gassed and overrun by a German attack. Haig managed to escape, but his injuries from the gas attack forced him to resign his command. He retired from the army in 1923, became an avid golfer, and died at the age of 80 in 1953. Provenance: The Supica Collection

ConditionVery fine, retaining 85% original nickel plating with scattered flaking and smooth gray patina on the balance. 50% of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a few stress cracks on the exterior, minor handling/storage marks, and typical high spot wear on the lining. An interesting S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver documented to a decorated British general.
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
ModelNew Model No 3
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge32-44
Barrel6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finishnickel
Griphard rubber

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2547
Catalog page79
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3143Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver with Stock
View Lot
Lot 1125Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3125Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3119Pair of Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers
View Lot
Show More