I was recently given a S&W that my grand father owned. I have no idea about this gun. My father died some years ago and no one to ask. I do know my grand father was a deputy sheriff in Cooper County Texas in the late 1800's. Maybe he used it then and then again maybe he did not.

Anyway, the numbers on the butt are 01760. There are also some word and numbers on the top of the barrel but I cannot read them for the rust.

Also have the holster he used. On the back of the holster is HH Heiser, Denver Colorado and the number 419

Anyone here might be able to tell me what I have? Please!

Attached Images

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	01760.jpg (37.6 KB, 214 views)
	Broken.jpg (106.9 KB, 320 views)
	Holster.jpg (119.6 KB, 208 views)

Hi, you didn't mention if the gun had a caliber stamping. From the photos and the proportions of the gun, it appears to be a .44 Double Action. There were 54468 made between 1881 and 1913. The serial number appears to be 217xx, which would put its production somewhere in the 1900 decade. The star after the SN indicates it went back to the factory for a rework, which may have been refinishing or mechanical repair. I'm sure others will chime in with anything I missed. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks Alan. As you might guess, I don't know squat about guns. Where would I find a caliber stamping if there is one?

I used a magnifying glass and it really looks like the first number of the serial number is 0 not 2

I second that it's a Six Shot .44 DA First Model with what appears to be a 1-7/16" Cylinder.

The gun has a nickel finish, pinned front blade sight(Service Sites), hard rubber checkered S&W factory stocks and color case hardened hammer and trigger. In addition the trigger guard and top latch are Blued.

I believe the top of the Barrel should be marked somewhere with .44. There was also a .38 winchester model marked "38 Winchester Ctg" on the Barrel(Let us know for sure what your gun is marked since the .38 is quite rare.)

Enjoy the history and engineering of this great gun.

It is usually stamped somewhere on the barrel. These were made in .38 Long Colt (very rare), which is a .36" bore; .38-40 with a .40" bore, and .44-40 and .44 Russian, which are .43". If you measure the bore at over .40" and the cylinder charge holes are straight, not tapered, it is a .44 Russian.

Usually, S & W did not put a zero in front of a serial number, but anything is possible.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Your serial number is 21769, no zeros in it. It is a First Model .44 Double Action. It should be .44 Russian. New Model #3 D.A.s were serial numbered in separate serial number ranges depending on specific cartridge. The number on yours is too high to be anything but a .44 Russian.

Earlier guns have no caliber markings whatsoever. If there were it would be on the left side of the barrel just in front of the cylinder. With this serial number the gun would have a 1 9/16" cylinder.

My .44 DA is a .44WCF from 1896 and is unmarked.
Nice gun by the way!

WOW, thanks to all of you for such rapid, informative responses. I will find a gun shop in Louisville and clean it up. Will post the markings I find on the barrel and let you know

Phil

Thats a great gun and a family rememberance linked to your history. I have one, only with a 6" barrel and low serial number (222) which was mechanically restored by one of our gunsmith forum members. It is a hoot to shoot with black powder /lead bullet loads. A gunsmith can clean it up and tell you if its safe to shoot, but never use modern smokeless powder ammo in it. A lot of Gunsmiths will only work on modern revolvers, if you have trouble finding the right smith, the guys here can help. Enjoy that OLD TIMER!

Be slow to "clean it up". Think & read up before every step. Many collectable guns have been damaged & drastically reduced in value by well intentioned attempts at cleaning. First do no harm. Do not use amonia bearing products on plated guns.
My suggestion is to go over the gun with soft cleaning patches & a good gun oil. You only need one bottle so buy quality. Oil will penitrate & arrest the rusting though not remove it. It is part of it's history & patina & must remain. If it needs harder cleaning, use denim. Clean & oil the bore & chambers.
If you must remove any screws you must have (or make) the correct exact fit hollow ground screwdrivers. Buggering up screw heads is a no no. Do not expect screws to come out easily & may need professional help.
Be gentle with the grips, they are a valueable part of the gun.

This is a neet piece, take care of it. Thanks for sharing.
Russ

Once again thanks to all of you for your prompt informative responses. I will find someone here in the Louisville area to help me and once all is said and done will report back here.

Again xie xie, gracias, thanks.

Phil