Started cleaning it, Serial number is either 1340 or 1540. Not going to shoot it. Gun is a 5", nickel plated. Strong hammer and trigger case colors, fully functional with VG bore and chambers. Approx. 60-65% finish. Anyone have an idea what it's worth ?

Post some pictures, and we can give you a more accurate opinion of value. Condition and presence of all the original parts, is the key to value for these guns. Ed

I have trouble with posting pics. I can e-mail them but uploading to wherever and posting never works out. I think I'll take it to my local Cabela's for an appraisal. I've looked at several auctions and mine is in MUCH better shape than the $1+K rats I saw. All screws unturned, mint grips, near-perfect bore and cylinders and a very, very low 1,000-2,000 serial number. If someone would be willing to post some e-mailed pics I'll be happy to send them : )

send them to [email protected] and I'll post em.

Pics sent ! Thanks RJ !!

You are THE man !! Thanks much !!

From the pictures, it is difficult to tell if this gun is re-nickeled, or not? If not re-nickeled, it appears to be in good shape. If re-nickeled, then just a shooter. For starters, does the hammer and trigger appear to be kickeled, or case-coloured? If case-coloured, more likely to be an original finish throughout. If nickeled, then the gun is refinished.

Hammer, trigger, latch and trigger guard are all blued/case and very nice with little finish wear. There are no signs of re-finishing, all markings are crisp. Screws are perfect, cylinder notches are clean and bright. I would say it's in original condition with no signs of tampering whatsoever.

Cabela's said they'd retail it at $1,500, trade offer was $1,000.

I am convinced that you have a very nice original 44 DA and in the condition I think you show are few and far between. I am not sure where you get 65% finish, since it looks like over 90% to me. It is pretty easy to determine nickel loss, so where is the missing finish?

The cylinder appears to be the shorter 1 7/16" length, so you most likely have a 44 Russian. That caliber gun is the most common for the 44 DAs. If your gun is 95% as these pictures look, you have a $2000 gun, but if lower, price drops quickly.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Gary,

I'm with you...This is most definitely a High Condition "Original Finish" 44 DA with "Very Minimal" finish loss...Not many to be found in this condition these days!! A "Very" Nice Example worth considerably more than the "Generous" Trade Offer...Ha!!~Ha!!

I also believe the finish loss the OP is referring to is that found on the Frt. Left Side of the Barrel extending up onto the Sight Blade...still in all I'd consider it to be in the 85%+ Range...possibly a bit more if observed in-hand given how difficult it is to take photos of Revolvers having a Nickel Finish!!

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Masterpiece

Gent's, I am astounded by your mutual verdict. I'm now the 3rd generation owner of this revolver and I thank you greatly for your advice. She's a keeper.... : )

Look at the grips, you don't often see hard rubber grips that crisp.