This is an outstandingly engraved example of a Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian, 2nd Model, most likely executed by the hand of L.D. Nimschke himself. Nimschke signed few works, but the interwoven arrow motif ascribed to him appears 4 times on this gun: once on each side of the barrel, and twice at the hinge pin/ratchet that controls the ejector. Other motifs include fantastically executed flowing scroll on a punch dot background, half-shells on the front sight, frame under the cylinder, and on the frame abutting the hammer, and geometrics. Strawed cylinder, trigger guard, and hammer. Frame is decorated with Western motifs, with the left side engraved with an American bison, while the right has a Native American warrior in a war bonnet. Grips are ivory scales retained by a single screw through a German silver escutcheon. Fixed lanyard loop on butt, with "SH" in a lozenge, indicating shipment to Schuyler, Hartley, and Graham, and dated "1874" on left side of frame knuckle. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining virtually all of the original nickel plating, with appropriate distension about the serial number underneath the grips. Some flaking and pockmarks to edges, particularly at grip straps and forcing cone, with lesser spots on frame. Strawing is faded, now a mellow bronze color with areas of gunmetal grey. Mechanically fine, bore with strong rifling and some minor frosting. This is an excellent example of Nimschke's artistry. Barrel Length: 6 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .44 S&W Russian FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model: No. 3 Russian 2nd Model Serial Number: 42203