Trying to id this pistol and authenticate it.

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Thank you. No haven’t lettered yet. Was wanting to get opinions on dates and if it’s real before spending money on the letter. Any idea on dates?

It looks like first ( or old-old ) model Russian or an American. Have a look through the chambers in the cylinder. If it is bored straight through it will be in .44 American caliber but if you can see a step in the chamber it is in .44 Russian caliber. The inscription may well be stamped on the barrel rib in cyrilic letters if it is a Russian made for the Russian contract. Either way it incorporates the changes that the Russians insisted upon. They also wanted them chambered in their cartridge, the .44 Russian which was an improvement on the .44 American cartridge. The strengthening of the area around the trigger pin at the top of the trigger guard and a hammer that locks the top latch when the hammer is down. These changes were also incorporated in the later American model. The second (old) model and third (new) model Russians had a a hump on the grip back strap so that it would not be as convenient to recock the revolver quickly after firing.
Gwyn

What you have there my friend is known in layman's terms as "junk". I will PM you my address and you can ship it to me for proper disposal! LOL! Very nice firearm.

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otis

Not an expert but I think you have a .44 Frame Model Number Three made between 1870 and 1874. On page 63 of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson is a picture (#5) that appears to be identical to your revolver including the engraving pattern and yellowed ivory grips. I can't make out the serial number on yours which would help with identification.

Standard Catalog gives values from $6000 (antique Fine condition) to $10,000 in Excellent condition. I don't think that includes a bump for the engraving.

Definitely worth getting a letter to verify.

Very nice. I think we're all jealous.

THanks everyone just took part stock and found etches and possibly blood? Opinions ?

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A very very nice firearm. A lot of us are jealous of you. Is there a story around how you ended up with it? Family heirloom, etc?

Family heirloom. Great great grandfather gun.

Welcome to the Forum. Lots of things to discuss, but it appears that you have a Model 3, 2nd Model, American that would have shipped around 1873. It is most likely not a Model 3 Russian 1st Model because their serial numbers ran to only about 20,000. It would chamber a cartridge called a 44 American and should not have any step in the cylinder since the ammo was what was called a heeled bullet being the same dimension as the case.

Hopefully someone more expert on engraving can comment on the quality and style but you have a very nice hog-leg S&W. The red on the inside of the stocks is rust from the frame, not blood.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I agree with Gary. Model 3, 2nd Issue American. A better photo through the cylinder to show the lack of the step of the .44 Russian cartridge would help. The engraving appears to be typical of the "New York" distributor applied engraving. Disclaimer: I'm lousy at engraving. However, nice revolver.

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Mike Maher #283

Based on what y’all have told me it’s a 45 American. No step in cylinder. Thank to everyone with all the help! Is there anywhere to take it to make sure it’s authentic? I wouldn’t trust any of my local gun shops if that makes sense...

44 S&W American. The diameter of the bullet and case was .434""

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Gary
SWCA 2515

This is wise. I doubt one gun store counter employee in a hundred could ID your pistol. Most would tell you it’s worth $300 and they’ll give you $200 wholesale.

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Psalm 27:2

Short of locating an authentic autenticator in person, which are hard to find, the best advice you can receive is on this forum wherein reside the most experienced collectors of SW anywhere. These guys can help you with what appears to be a very interesting gun. When the requests come for more pics of barrel stamps, serial numbers, engraving, and so on, you will be amply rewarded for your time. Also, this is not likely a .45, but a .44 of some denomination. Stay with us and keep us informed about what you find out.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

".. the best advice you can receive is on this forum wherein reside the most experienced collectors of SW anywhere.". Yup! Your revolver is in exceptional condition. Collectors like to see unmolested examples with all the parts matching as it was when it left the S&W factory circa 1874. The number on the bottom of the grips ('stocks' in S&W lingo) is the serial number. The number on the rear of the cylinder is an Assembly number. That number will be on the side of the grip frame under the stocks. It will be on a few more parts which will indicate that all the parts are original to that revolver. Congratulations on owning such a nice revolver.

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Mike Maher #283

I benefited from this a number of years ago. A local pawn shop took in a 1st Model American (oil hole) , probably for around the $200 mentioned. It went into the showcase at $450 and I was on the spot. He made me fill out a 4473, but I wasn't going to argue.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I like your American.
But before you spend all that $, I would like to point out that The end of the barrel appears to be shortened (see position of front sight) and from the pics you posted it looks to be renicked ( engraving is not crisp) etc

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Outstanding Dean