Smith and Wesson Top Break Revolver

mrcjgscott · #1 12-06-2015, 03:53 PM

Hello there,

Many thanks for allowing me to join your forum.

I recently purchased a break top S&W New model revolver, which is something I have wanted to add to my collection for a long time.

Living in the UK, such guns are harder to come by, but this one came to me quite by chance, and was (relatively) inexpensive, compared to what a lot of dealers here charge.

I would like to know, if possible, exactly which model I have, the likely calibre, the year it was manufactured, and if there is any way of finding out who the original owner was?

Matching serial numbers to the chamber and butt 314**.

it has Fixed Sights, and a 5 inch barrel.

Any information you are able to give me will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Chris

murphydog · #2 12-06-2015, 04:22 PM

Welcome! This appears to be a .44 Double Action, with the chambering .44 Russian (a shorter but same diameter case to the later .44 Special and Magnum). 54,668 were produced from 1881-1913, but they were less popular over time and likely very few were sold after the .44 Hand Ejector was introduced in 1907, so a production guess in the early 1890s sounds about right. All frames for this model were produced by 1898 and guns after this time were assembled from existing stock. Someone here may track these by SN and get you closer.

The factory history letter will give you its exact ship (sales) date and destination, but it will likely be a distributor or dealer rather than an individual. It will also tell you if the stocks are original to the gun, the majority had hard rubber or (less commonly) walnut stocks. However, requests for letters are on hold until at least after the New Year:

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

Hope this is helpful.

mrcjgscott · #3 12-06-2015, 04:30 PM

Hello Alan,

That is absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for taking the time to respond, I think that is the fastest reply to a question on an internet forum I have ever received!

I had no idea the factory still held original records, so once they are accepting requests again, I will certainly make contact with them.

A very gentle clean has revealed what appears to be a name etched on the back strap, but it is hard to make out at this point.

Do you think such a thing would have been done privately, or by S&W themselves?

Kind regards,

Chris

glowe · #4 12-06-2015, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the Forum. I would say that your revolver shipped from the factory in 1894-1895 timeframe. Your revolver has the longer cylinder that was developed for the 44-40 Double Action Frontier in the late 1880s, but your serial number is too high for that caliber, so 44 Russian it is.

Cheers,

mrcjgscott · #5 12-06-2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

Welcome to the Forum. I would say that your revolver shipped from the factory in 1894-1895 timeframe. Your revolver has the longer cylinder that was developed for the 44-40 Double Action Frontier in the late 1880s, but your serial number is too high for that caliber, so 44 Russian it is.

Cheers,

Many thanks Gary,

Great that you can nail down the time frame so accurately.

Was the longer cylinder employed just to use up the spare parts from the Frontier that were laying around?

That is good news, it means I can own the gun legally here without a licence, and here in the UK, such revolvers are few and far between!

Many thanks,

Chris

glowe · #6 12-06-2015, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcjgscott

. . . Was the longer cylinder employed just to use up the spare parts from the Frontier that were laying around?

That would be my guess, but of course, the frame would also have to be lengthened to handle the longer cylinder. The factory may have just changed its manufacturing process to work for both calibers. When I downsized my large frame top-breaks last year, I sold an 44 American, two 44 Russians, and a 44 DA to a chap in the UK, since none required a license to purchase. I was able to mail them to him without issue.

mrcjgscott · #7 12-07-2015, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

The factory may have just changed its manufacturing process to work for both calibers. When I downsized my large frame top-breaks last year, I sold an 44 American, two 44 Russians, and a 44 DA to a chap in the UK, since none required a license to purchase. I was able to mail them to him without issue.

That makes a lot of sense, thank you.

The trouble with joining your forum, and learning more about my revolver, is that now I kind of want to buy another revolver, and then another!!

Thanks all for your help and sharing your knowledge, it is much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Chris

Ken1 · #8 12-07-2015, 06:20 PM

I have a break over S and W 259 XX serial number-no other markings that i can find--can some one help me out Thank you!

ken

mmaher94087 · #9 12-07-2015, 07:52 PM

Ken1, I suggest that you start a new thread. There is a button at the top of each sub-forum (I.e., "S&W Antiques") that will start your question as a new post. Right now, in this thread, we're talking about mrcjscott's .44 DA. Please don't take this as a criticism, it's just that you'll get a better response with a new thread and everyone wants to help. Oh, and welcome to the Forum.