My apologies, please, for poor quality of the on-line cyber-photo !!!

Roy Jinks identified the above photo as: Model 3 Russian Third Model. serial number 45511, shipped in November 1876.

The barrel is marked: "smith and wesson springfield mass. U.S.A Pat.july 20.60 jan 17.feb17.july11.65 auc.24.69 russian model"

The alleged caliber is: .44 S&W

Any/all obsrvations/comments would be most appreciated ... to include best guess-ti-mate(s) on approximate value based on poor photo & limited available information ... Unfortunately, I do not have it in hand; however, you have what I have to go on . . . Thanks in advance for your feedback !

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TejanoViejo

I assume that Roy did not state the caliber. As far as I know, all the 3rd Model Russians were chambered in 44 S&W Russian or 44 Rimfire Henry on revolvers shipped to Turkey, but not 44 S&W. I assume also that you do not know if your revolver is a Commercial (barrel stamped "Russian Model"), Reissue stamp, or Cyrillic barrel address? Also, there were European copies of these revolvers made, so hope you got a guarantee that this is a Smith & Wesson. Ludwig & Loewe, Belgium copies, Russian copies, and Turkish copies are known, plus a few other countries copied the gun.

All this means that it is not possible to give you an accurate valuation until these questions and probably others from the members are answered. Also, when you get the gun, please take additional pictures to help everyone assess the condition.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Old Texan, Ditto what Gary said. The finish appears very good for the age of the revolver, perhaps a reblue? If the seller is assuming the caliber is .44S&W, which it isn't, I would not rely too much and any thing he says about the gun and would be sure he understands you have the right to return it after a reasonable inspection period. Good Luck, Ed.

Finish condition is suspiciously good. About the only thing I can say is to echo the advice to take some detailed pictures after receipt showing every feature clearly and post them. It's very easy to see if it's .44 Henry RF, also, if the chamber has a step in it, it's .44 Russian. I think the .44 American chambers had no step, i.e., they were bored straight through.

Many thanks for your response(s) . . . most appreciated !!!

I now have deal making/breaking info to offer the seller

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TejanoViejo

Seller confirmed:

1. - Top of barrel reads as in Post #1 to include "Russian Model"
2. - Barrel measures 6-1/2"; not 7"
3. - Cylinder measures 1-7/16" with step inside bore
4. - Butt stock reads Left>Right ... 45511; butt swivel with "star" on top of swivel pin; and "star" to right of swivel; no other stamped markings and/or letters on butt stock/frame.
5. Family heirloom; inherited five years ago from grandfather who had it for at least 50 years prior; no knowledge of earlier provenance; cannot confirm whether or not it has ever been re-blued; did not appear to be knowlegeable about firearms in general; had no idea how to open top break; had to talk him through it . . .
6. No photos of better quality available.

Do we have enough info regarding valuation, please?

Thanks!

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TejanoViejo

It's a S&W and not a replica, so the nice finish may be a factory refinish, as indicated by the star stamp on the butt. If the factory did it, there should be a date code stamped on the left side grip frame under the grip panel. Such as " 5.15" indicating a repair/refinish in May 1915. If the date code stamp is there, I would value the gun at being in the $2500 - $3500 range to a collector and it could go higher in an auction if the refinish is not mentioned Ed.

Thank you very much, Ed, for your time, effort, validation & evaluation on my behalf. I'm now in a much better position to negotiate a fair price for both parties.

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TejanoViejo