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05-20-2020, 11:27 PM
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Help with two guns I inherited
Hi,
I inherited two Smith and Wesson guns need info on both guns. The models, years made and current value.
image.jpg
Last edited by Samurai1; 05-20-2020 at 11:30 PM.
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05-20-2020, 11:33 PM
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More pics added
Last edited by Samurai1; 05-20-2020 at 11:34 PM.
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05-20-2020, 11:49 PM
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Here is the other side
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05-20-2020, 11:51 PM
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Pic of small gun sn
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05-20-2020, 11:59 PM
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Large gun other side . It has 8" barrel, function correctly,very action is tight and has nice clean bore with very good rifling.
The numbers match inside left grip and under grip Handel cylinder has 3 numbers that do not match grip # but match lactch for lockup.
The small gun has 98 % original finish,matching numbers and mother of pear grips it's in excellent condition.
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05-21-2020, 12:01 AM
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Top of large barrel.
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05-21-2020, 12:03 AM
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I was offered $1600.09 for both pistol not sure if this a fair offer?
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05-21-2020, 12:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai1
I was offered $1600.09 for both pistol not sure if this a fair offer?
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I would not sell at that price, but the experts will be along shortly.
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05-21-2020, 01:07 AM
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Welcome to the Forum, The large gun appears to be a Model 3 American in nice condition. it's probably caliber .44 American but could be caliber .44Russian. Value is in the $2200- $2700 range. The 3 digit number is an assembly number and appears on other parts, also. The serial number is on the butt. The second gun is a 1st Model .38 Single Action, also called a "Baby Russian" It looks to be in very good condition. Caliber is .38S&W. Value is in $1100-$1500 range. Values are assuming both guns are in good mechanical condition, and from your descriptions, that appears so. Both guns are antiques under federal Laws. The American model was made on the early 1870s and the Baby Russian in the 1880s. Do you have any history or provenance on these guns ? Ed.
Last edited by opoefc; 06-10-2020 at 02:40 PM.
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05-21-2020, 10:10 AM
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Welcome to the Forum. The 44 American and the 44 Russian, 1st Model started with serial number 1, so a serial number in the 11,XXX range could be either. Check the cylinder chamber and if smooth, it is an Amercan and if it has a step in the chamber, it is a 44 Russian.
Ed has much more knowledge on these era guns than I do, but I have not seen such strong prices realized for some time. This is only a guess based on auction observations from many gun auctions over the past couple years. I used to have several 44 S&W top-breaks so am always interested in what auctions prices have been realized.
I have seen prices in the $2500 range for the big 44 Hoglegs with little original finish left and worn stocks like yours. I typically see prices under $1000 for Baby Russians in decent condition, but the finish looks to be mostly intact on your 38 Single Action, 1st Model, so $1200 - $1500 max for me is possible. Bottom line is that the person who offered you $1600 for both is a thief. Even if it was a purchase for resale, it is no where near a fair offer using value estimates of either $3800 or $5000!
BTW, the pictures are very helpful, but you can up to 5 images in a single post by using the same process, just keep adding images in the same Manage Attachments window until five are attached and then post.
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05-21-2020, 11:31 AM
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Just curious, does it have US stamped on the top of the barrel on the 44? What’s it’s serial number? The first 1,000 made of the 44 Americans were for a military contract. 800 blue, and 200 nickel.
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05-21-2020, 12:30 PM
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I agree with Gary as far as value.
The American looks like it has been over cleaned . I would guess 2k max.
The baby looks pretty nice.
$1600------NO
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05-21-2020, 12:35 PM
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Both guns belonged to my uncle who loved cowboy movies. They both are in working Order and I found ammo after posting here 44 American box and 38 s&w are correct. No U.S markings on top of barrel area that I see. I plan on keeping the model 3 and gaving the baby to my son as a graduation present. He's is studying to be a paramedic and will graduate this June. Thank you all for the get information you provide stay safe and stay heathy.
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05-21-2020, 12:45 PM
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I am glad you are keeping them instead of selling. They are great family heirlooms. A great gift for your son too.
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05-21-2020, 01:57 PM
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Hello Sam, glad to hear you are not selling. And bless your son, I had an
EMT save my life in the front yard. Mike
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05-21-2020, 01:58 PM
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Should I spend the money to get them letter by smith and Wesson?if not both which one?
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05-21-2020, 02:40 PM
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I am not an expert like many above, but I would definitely letter BOTH!
I also am glad you are keeping them in the family and welcome to the forum family here too!
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05-21-2020, 02:58 PM
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Thank you guys for the kind greetings.
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05-21-2020, 08:16 PM
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I would letter both since they are family heirlooms and are going to two different family members. There might not be anything earthshattering in the letters but the letters add to the history of the revolvers. The $100 each fee might seem steep but once done the records should remain with each of the two revolvers and will be history for the following heirs. If any family history has been passed down; now is the time to document it.
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05-23-2020, 12:14 AM
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Factory Letters
I agree with Mike on the factory letters. Especially for the 38 SA “ Baby Russian”. It has a less common 4” barrel and it is possible that those Pearl grips are factory original. Notice the circular cut at the top of the grips where they meet the grip frame? That feature is found on a better quality grip. If they letter as factory original the $100 investment was well spent!
Murph
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05-26-2020, 10:00 AM
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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Very nice! Can you post some pictures of the .44 American ammo and box? We don't see that very often and I'm not sure any manufacturer is making it these days.
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05-26-2020, 02:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy
Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Very nice! Can you post some pictures of the .44 American ammo and box? We don't see that very often and I'm not sure any manufacturer is making it these days.
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Not as ready made, but cases are available:
44 American Cases∗ - Buffalo Arms
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05-27-2020, 12:17 AM
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44 ammo
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy
Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Very nice! Can you post some pictures of the .44 American ammo and box? We don't see that very often and I'm not sure any manufacturer is making it these days.
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Wiregrass
I dug this out for you
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05-27-2020, 12:47 AM
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The one's I have are reloads my uncle bought and are in a plastic box marked 44 american. wow ammo 44 great looking ammo.
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05-27-2020, 06:59 AM
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Welcome to the forum!
You have found the most helpful, friendly assembly of knowledgeable folks, anywhere. This is a great resource for collectors and novices, alike. Should you linger here, you will undoubtedly learn much about all things Smith & Wesson.
As others have said, those are great family heirlooms and are best appreciated by those who had a relation to your uncle.
Congratulations to your son, and thank God for our first responders.
-May he always be kept safe!
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