I just found this pistol in my grandfathers closet. From what I've read and researched it appears to be a Smith and Wesson #3 double action in 44 Russian. It has matching numbers on the cylinder, top latch, and the butt has three of the numbers matching but missing the first number. 4 serial numbers total. It has some writing on the top of the 5" barrel which is a little difficult to read. I'm guessing the gun has been refinished as it looks to good and the barrel has some pretty good corrosion on the inside. The trigger and hammer also appear to be blue, so I'm guessing it's be refinished as I haven't seen any others like that. Some light grooves are noticeable. The grips appear to be original. I can't find any other writing on the pistol anywhere. I'm trying to figure out if anyone else has information on this revolver as well as n estimate on what is a fair price as I have two give money to a couple other grandkids and want to be fair.

Thank you for any help

Welcome to the Forum. The 44 Double Action, First Model was manufactured from 1881 to 1913, with 54,668 total made. All the frames were made prior to 1898, so all are classified as antiques. They came in 4", 5", 6", and 6 1/2" barrel lengths and were either nickel or blued. If you supply the serial number, someone can estimate the actual age of your S&W.

For many years, these revolvers lagged in the antique hogleg gun market and up until recently were easy to buy at $500-$600 range for a gun in the condition similar to yours. It does appear that your gun has been well used and has many signs of refinishing, but is still a matching numbers representation of the model that today should bring close to $1000 -- IF -- the entire serial number were evident on the butt. Technically, the BATF would consider this an altered serial number and since they rely only on the butt stamped number to ID any gun, it would be illegal to own. I would not think that any agent would ever confiscate a 130 year old gun, but that is a possibility, so many buyers would be wary enough to not buy the gun.

I would consider taking the revolver to a competent gunsmith and see if they would re-stamp the 4 digit serial number on the butt to give everyone peace of mind that everything is legitimate.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thank you for the information. That's alot of information I didn't know. It defenitely appears re finished as the trigger and hammer are blue. The butt serial number is what is confusing me. It appears to be unaltered as I don't see any pits in the base where it would remove a digit. If anything it's the cleanest part of the gun as the black powder hasn't caused any corrosion there. Ther number on the cylinder and top latch is 3467 and the butt just 467. I honestly don't have any other background as my grandfather has since passed. Thanks again for any information and assistance.

I have a simlar situation, but on a newer (1930's) Smith revolver. Someone wasn't paying attention and skipped a digit on the butt number. The five numbers on the butt match the last five of six on the cylinder and barrel. Not the first time that has happened. In these cases, unfortunately, the official (frame) serial number is not the correct one.

Bob

Since the .44 is an antique, it doesn't matter that the SN on the butt is partially missing. As far as ATF is concerned, it is not a gun they regulate. These guns do not have to go through an FFL if they are sold across state lines unless state laws require it. If you live in a free state, you won't have any problems selling or giving that gun to anyone.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629