RARE SMITH & WESSON NEW MODEL NO. 3 TURKISH CONTRACT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER USED AT THE FAMOUS BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI.

RARE SMITH & WESSON NEW MODEL NO. 3 TURKISH CONTRACT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER USED AT THE FAMOUS BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI. SN 3339. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Blue finish with 6-1/2″ ribbed keyhole shaped bbl with half moon front sight and fixed rear sight as part of the bbl latch. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Buttstrap is factory fitted with a lanyard loop. There are small inspector initials on the various parts and the top of the left grip is stamped “A.P.C.”. According to Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, Neal & Jinks, there were 5,461 of these rare revolvers produced during the period 1879-1883 of which 5,281 were on order from the Turkish Government, with the balance apparently contract overruns which were sold to major Smith & Wesson dealers, most of which were then resold to Mexico. Turkey apparently ordered these revolvers to complement the Winchester Model 1866 rifles & carbines they had recently purchased. This cataloger, having spent six years in Turkey in the 1960s & 1970s, was able to examine several Smith & Wesson Turkish Contract revolvers and found them to usually be in deplorable condition, generally with no finish and replaced grips. A letter accompanies this lot from the individual who originally acquired this gun. He states that he acquired it via an agent from the family of a WWI veteran in Australia. The veteran being a survivor of the historic battle of Gallipoli. This battle included a command formed of Australia and New Zealand Corps (ANZAC) together with other units. Details of the pending battle leaked out to the Turks and they had weeks to prepare for the anticipated assault. On the first day the British forces despite heavy casualties were able to overwhelm the defending Turks and push them back. The Anzac’s portion of the battle were only able to gain a shallow foothold and the Turks attempted to drive them off their tiny foothold into the sea, with extraordinary determination the tenacious Anzac’s were able to hold their position. The battle eventually over a period of time turned into a stalemate which resulted in extraordinary loss of life on both sides. However, the incredible historic efforts by the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand proved to be a tremendous galvanizing national experience. As a result of this historic battle, the anniversary of the Anzac’s landing on April 25th is celebrated by both Australia and New Zealand as a historic military day. It is believed that this Smith & Wesson Turkish model was probably captured during the initial overrunning of the Turks and as such, could explain why this gun survived in far better condition than most all other examples found. A truly special and historical example. PROVENANCE: Dr. John & Margaret Pickup Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching including cyl & grips. Bbl latch is unnumbered. Overall retains 40-50% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas; cyl retains plummy blue in the flutes and is gray metal on the outer diameter. Grips are sound showing heavy wear and retain a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-46415 (4,000-6,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2225	$2,875.00	RARE SMITH & WESSON NEW MODEL NO. 3 TURKISH CONTRACT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER USED AT THE FAMOUS BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI. SN 3339. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Blue finish with 6-1/2″ ribbed keyhole shaped bbl with half moon front sight and fixed rear sight as part of the bbl latch. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Buttstrap is factory fitted with a lanyard loop. There are small inspector initials on the various parts and the top of the left grip is stamped “A.P.C.”. According to Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, Neal & Jinks, there were 5,461 of these rare revolvers produced during the period 1879-1883 of which 5,281 were on order from the Turkish Government, with the balance apparently contract overruns which were sold to major Smith & Wesson dealers, most of which were then resold to Mexico. Turkey apparently ordered these revolvers to complement the Winchester Model 1866 rifles & carbines they had recently purchased. This cataloger, having spent six years in Turkey in the 1960s & 1970s, was able to examine several Smith & Wesson Turkish Contract revolvers and found them to usually be in deplorable condition, generally with no finish and replaced grips. A letter accompanies this lot from the individual who originally acquired this gun. He states that he acquired it via an agent from the family of a WWI veteran in Australia. The veteran being a survivor of the historic battle of Gallipoli. This battle included a command formed of Australia and New Zealand Corps (ANZAC) together with other units. Details of the pending battle leaked out to the Turks and they had weeks to prepare for the anticipated assault. On the first day the British forces despite heavy casualties were able to overwhelm the defending Turks and push them back. The Anzac’s portion of the battle were only able to gain a shallow foothold and the Turks attempted to drive them off their tiny foothold into the sea, with extraordinary determination the tenacious Anzac’s were able to hold their position. The battle eventually over a period of time turned into a stalemate which resulted in extraordinary loss of life on both sides. However, the incredible historic efforts by the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand proved to be a tremendous galvanizing national experience. As a result of this historic battle, the anniversary of the Anzac’s landing on April 25th is celebrated by both Australia and New Zealand as a historic military day. It is believed that this Smith & Wesson Turkish model was probably captured during the initial overrunning of the Turks and as such, could explain why this gun survived in far better condition than most all other examples found. A truly special and historical example. PROVENANCE: Dr. John & Margaret Pickup Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching including cyl & grips. Bbl latch is unnumbered. Overall retains 40-50% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas; cyl retains plummy blue in the flutes and is gray metal on the outer diameter. Grips are sound showing heavy wear and retain a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-46415 (4,000-6,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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