I don't normally deal in the Antique end of S&Ws. Just got home
from work and was scanning new trader paper for guns. Advertised is Civil War Era, S&W 44/$700. I have been calling
but can't get answer. Bottom line if I go look at this gun what
book can I go by to price it. I know enough to know its not a
civil war gun. I will be able to identify it with no problem, pricing
is another matter.
There are no books that can give you current prices for the gun. There are many books that will give you out of date prices. Best source for current values is watching the auctions and auction sites like GunBroker, etc.. Then adding a large grain of salt to weed out over eager bidders. The gun in the ad is probably an American Model and with antiques, condition is the rule. A well worn but working American model will start at about $1,000. Ten times that for minty specimens. $700 might be a steal. Ed.
As you stated, there were no Civil War era 44 S&W out there. The only revolvers made by S&W during the War Between the States were the Model 1 22rf and the Model 2 32rf. The revolver has to be at least made in the early 1870s or later.
As for value, as Ed states, that amount of money will buy very few 44 S&W top-break revolvers. About the only models in that price range would be well worn 44 Double Action revolvers. My guess it that if the price is a good deal, it is already sold.
44 S&W
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