Hi Gary,
The guy confirms that the only serial number is on the butt.
Tim
I would still make sure to bring your magnifier to check for the serial numbers. If all numbers are gone except for the butt, I would assume a heavy buffing and refinish that destroyed the numbers,except the barrel looks like it has an original finish. Another answer could be that the S&W factory may have had some barrel assemblies left over and sold them over the years, but a gun sold from the factory would always have serial numbers stamped on all major parts.
I assume the revolver is 44 Russian, since it looks like a short cylinder?? If the cylinder is 1 7/16 inches, it is a 44 Russian. Later, S&W made a 1 9/16" cylinder that would accommodate a 44-40 cartridge. These later guns used the long cylinder but were chambered in both calibers.
Now for the problems - if it is a short cylinder, that would raise the possibility that it is a replacement since that revolver would have shipped from the factory just before the turn of the twentieth century. In the US, all these revolvers are considered antiques because all frames were manufactured before 1898. Most late production 44 DAs had the longer cylinder.
The second issue is that I see a rear target sight, but a standard half-moon front sight. I am sure it is a possibility that it was shipped that way, but the target versions I have ran into, all had target front sights to match the adjustable rear sight. Target versions of the 44 DA are scarce and would normally command a premium.
I would say that the price is very high by US standards even if it were factory original, but I can not comment on the European market.
Keep us posted.
