I know of a person who claims to have an "1880's S&W revolver in 44 cal." Another person told me that the owner might want to sell for a certain amount that would likely be below the value of the gun.
I want to go look at the gun in the morning. What advice do you have for me as I evaluate the condition of the gun? I want to rule out a knock-off or foreign copy of the real deal.
Please advise ASAP, I may have to make a "rushed" decision. I know i'm being very general, but I called the owner and he seems to lack knowledge of the gun. I do have the SCSW to refer to.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rickjames629,

I have been studying the SCSW, I feel confident that I can make a reasonable judgement about what I see.

I'll update accordingly tomorrow.

UPDATE: I visited the owner of the gun, an antique dealer. He had a NM#3, double action (correct me if I don't give an accurate description) .44 cal. I would rate the gun as poor or fair. It does turn the cylinder and cock the hammer using double action pull, but single action would not be an option.
I assume that it was nickled at one time, but can't really tell. When I break the top, the cylinder just falls out, nothing is there to hold it in.
I payed $320 for that gun and another .22 cal. long rifle from the 1920's and I think we were both very satisfied with the sale.
I may request a factory letter, to add to the stories that the gun has in it.
This is my first antique / non-functional S&W purchase. Just wanted to let you know what happened re: the sale.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rickjames629,

Rick, I hope that .22 cal. rifle is worth a lot, because from what you described, there's not much of that $320 cost that I could attribute to the Model 1880. 44 DA. It sounds like a wall hanger, with a few parts that might be salvalgeable. Which .44 caliber is the DA? .44S&W Russian or .44-40 WCF.? Post a picture when you can.

6" barrel, 1 9/16" cylinder, 4 digit serial, 2-line patent dates. Looks to be a .44 Double Action Frontier. Somewhere between 1886-1900. .44-40 winchester.

Pictures look better than the description. With a 1 9/16" cylinder and a 4 digit sn, I would bet it is a 44/40. You did not get hurt at $320 for the purchase

The above stated .22 rifle (requested as a throw-in during haggling) is off to auction. Depending on the sale price, my S&W will be a little cheaper or a lot cheaper.

I keep S&W's, but don't get attached to others.