HELP PLEASE..how much is the value and the year about?

[Snortsneeze]

I am trying to determine the serial number of my .44 cal.

it is a model 2(I believe) 6" or 8"barrel top break 6 shot

numbers on bottom of grip is either 35014 or 3814 cannot really tell it is like it has two sets of numbers..hard to read

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome! We need a few more details, or photos:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...ew-format.html

Look for the "Upload video and photos" link after registering and logging in.

If this is not possible:

Barrel length from cylinder face to muzzle
Number on butt (should match the one on the back face of the cylinder)
Stampings on barrel (letters/words and numbers)
Blue or nickel finish
Single or double action

[Snortsneeze]

4001 on back of cylinder what I can make out

8" length

not sure of single or double action

smith and wesson spring filled mass usa bat july 10 80 jan 17 feb ?? july 10 85 and Aug 24 89

nickol plated

gun is in real poor health

[twaits]

Like stated above we can't tell you anything without pictures with this vague of a description.

[murphydog]

Originally Posted by Snortsneeze

4001 on back of cylinder what I can make out

8" length

not sure of single or double action

smith and wesson spring filled mass usa bat july 10 80 jan 17 feb ?? july 10 85 and Aug 24 89

nickol plated

gun is in real poor health

Single action = hammer must be pulled back to cycle gun (cylinder rotates and locks in position, trigger allows hammer to fall forward).

Double action = hammer or trigger itself can be pulled to cycle gun as above.

[Snortsneeze]

it is missing the trigger and grip

[Snortsneeze]

[murphydog]

I think it's a New Model 3, single action. The reason you can't tell it's a single action is the trigger and trigger guard are missing.

[Snortsneeze]

ok and the value it is in now and if restore valued thand I still cannot make out the serial numbers.

[rhmc24]

This model in best condition would bring $3K+. As it is now maybe a few hundred. Restored by a best pro restorer to like new @ $2k+. Cost for that restoration would be far more than the end value.

[Snortsneeze]

ok thank you guys

[twaits]

Looks like one of the guns in that sack of guns that young Clemenza hands to Vito Corleone in The Godfather part 2!

[opoefc]

That's not a New Model #3, it's whats left of a 2nd model .44 American, single action. Caliber would be either .44 American or .44 S&W Russian. If the top break latch is working, open the gun and look down the chambers of the cylinder. If you see a ring or ridge about 2/3rds of the way down, it's a .44 Russian caliber, if it's straight through bored, it's 44 American caliber. The gun is a relic, not worth trying to restore as cost would be prohibitive and it's worn and abused condition probably puts it past being restorable. The number on the butt is the serial number. What ever numbers you see on the cylinder is not the serial number but is the assembly number, not related to the serial number. Relic guns are very saleable in today's market and auction results indicate your gun would probably bring $450- $600 at a well advertized US Auction. Good luck, Ed #15

[murphydog]

Ed;

Thanks for the clarification...looks like I need to stay away from comments on 19th century guns.

[Snortsneeze]

no the barrel only has the spin bore grooves i believe it to be my great great grand fathers gun that killed two mules before it killed a man over a fence line that my grand father said was being built on his land and not on the line

[Snortsneeze]

where else would be interested in buying?

[opoefc]

Shortsneeze, You are looking down the wrong hole. Look down the chambers of the cylinder, not the barrel. That will tell you the caliber, either .44 American or .44 Russia. Not that the caliber is that important, considering the condition of the gun, however you wanted to know as much about this relic that you could. If it's really a family heirloom hand me down gun, why would you want to sell it? Pass it on to other descendents, it's part of your family's history. The most you could probably get for it is a couple hundred dollars, perhaps. Ed.

[Snortsneeze]

i know it it a 44 cause u can put a 410 slug from a410 shotgun it the chamber and down the barrel drop the hammer and big bang as far as it goes it is american gun

[Snortsneeze]

well as family goes i am the last in my line and there is no one to hand it down to

[moosedog]

Do you know any history on this gun? If it was mine, even in the condition it's in, I would get a factory letter.
It will add value to the gun, no matter how it turns out.
To me, the gun just screams "working gun". If only it could talk.

[Ballarat]

The piece is not a new model number three. She has the late barrel of the number three American, with the standard American grip frame. Trigger reinforce which was introduced on the 2nd model Russian. Serial number is probably higher than 35000 range. From pics I cannot tell the calibre, could be 44 Russian, 44American or 44 rimfire. Condition she is in I dont think its worth very much. The barrel stamping you mention could indicate she is serial numbered rather than assembly numbered on the major parts.
Think that was introduced around 1878, just going off my poor memory at the moment. Though the Russian first contract guns were serial numbered after the first couple of thousand. Yours is definately not one of those for sure.