2020 September Premier, Volume I

Collector’s Fact
Of the 977 Model
320s manufactured,
only 224 were
manufactured with
20 inch barrels.
198
LOT 211
Scarce Smith & Wesson Model
320 Revolving Rifle with
Rare 20 Inch Barrel and Stock
Mounted Peep Sight - Serial
no. 539, 320 cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock, hard rubber
grips. Manufactured 1879 to 1887 with a total production of only 977. The Smith
& Wesson 320 revolving rifle is one of the rarest and most sought after of all Smith & Wesson firearms. Serial numbered from
1 to 977. The Model 320 was manufactured using the frame and basic action of the New Model No. 3 revolver with some minor
differences in the hammer, trigger, and cylinder. A slot is cut into the butt and a hole drilled in the back strap to accommodate
the shoulder stock. The Model 320 was made in three barrel lengths of 16, 18, and 20 inches, with 20 being the rarest length. This rifle
features the ultra rare 20 inch barrel of which only 224 were produced. The rifle is chambered for the 320 Smith & Wesson cartridge. The top of the rib is marked with
the two line address/patent dates. German silver front sight with folding notch rear sight on the solid rib. The matching serial number “539” appears on the butt,
cylinder and barrel latch. The barrel is fitted with a checkered red mottled hard rubber forearm with the S&W monogram. The grips are matching with S&W monograms
in a circle at the tops. The stock is smooth walnut with blue finished attaching iron and is equipped with the rare and highly desirable original peep sight mounted on
the tang which is often missing and a checkered black hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 80% original blue finish thinning along high points and at the muzzle. The solid rib shows a series of fine surface scratches just
behind the muzzle. The barrel address is still sharp, crisp and clear. The frame retains 70% original blue finish thinning on exposed areas and along the high edges with some
overall light handling marks. The cylinder retains 40% original finish, strongest in the flutes, with the balance a mottled gray/brown patina. The hammer and trigger guard retain nearly all of their original and vibrant case
colors. The forearm and grips are very good plus. The stock lug is very fine with 40% thinning blue on the upper tang. The lower tang and latch arm retain 90% original blue finish. The wood is very fine with some minor
pressure marks and scuffs. Overall a very desirable Smith & Wesson in an equally rare barrel length.
Estimate: 16000 - 25000