.44 Double Action Frontier…I think?

animalspooker · Apr 4, 2022

Need help ID-ing this revolver. Thought it was a model 1, but this has a cylinder that measures 1-9/16"…I think, making it a frontier. The serial number in on the cylinder, bottom of grip and break open lever, that I've seen. Also the serial number is 11xx (4 digits).

Can anyone help?

opoefc · Apr 4, 2022

Welcome to the Forum. Yes. a long cylinder would usually indicate a Frontier version of the Model 3 .44DA however a few of them were also chambered in the .44 Russian caliber, not the standard .44-40 . If the longer .44-40 round will not fully seat in the chambers, then it's a .44Russian caliber. Your serial number 11xx was made in July 1881, the 2nd month of production, so being this early it probably is caliber 44-40. Ed

animalspooker · Apr 4, 2022

Thank you for your help, Ed. You are appreciated.

I am a FFL store owner and will probably not keep the gun. Suggestions on moving it? I'm not an antique kind of guy?

merl67 · Apr 4, 2022

Welcome to the forum ! That is a nice one. You could list it here in the classified section of the forum, or one of the major auction websites. I would also check you private messages in the next few days....

animalspooker · Apr 4, 2022

Range of value???

Is it a $100 gun or a $10,000 gun?

...and could you give me an estimate on % condition just by looking at the pictures?

mrcvs · Apr 4, 2022

From the photographs provided, it appears there is no original finish, and the grips show commensurate wear. I sold one similar to it the middle of last year and I think it brought $700 shipped and it took awhile to get that. Probably $550 to $650 might be more realistic.

glowe · Apr 4, 2022

It is all about the serial number when identifying the caliber on 44 DAs. Remember that the 44 DA Frontier ran from 1 - 15,340, starting manufacture in 1886.

Before the start of manufacture of the of the Frontier, there were no long cylinders. By 1886, the 44 DA in 44 Russian was around serial number 15,000, so if the cylinder is long and the serial number is below 15,000 it is a 44 Winchester Frontier, so with serial number 1137, you have a nice 44 Winchester DA. Of course, it the gun has a long cylinder and serial number is above 15340, it has to be a 44 Russian.

iby · Apr 4, 2022

44-40
4" barrel
Antique status
GB=1000-1500
Your store??

opoefc · Apr 4, 2022

These are popular Cowboy shooter revolvers. I would expect this gun to bring upwards of $1,000, maybe a little more, if the bore is good and it's mechanically functional, from a knowledgable buyer. Also, being an antique, it's pay $$ & walk in most jurisdictions, however determine the exact caliber first. Ed

mrcvs · Apr 4, 2022

I don't know…

I think I had this one listed at a grand, and settled for $750 shipped, maybe $700 shipped, including a letter, and I see this was nearly a year ago. I'd like to think you could get $1000 for yours, but I couldn't do it with mine.

***SPF*** Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier

iby · Apr 4, 2022

Sometimes no finish is better than crusty finish
Also, you sold it on this forum

animalspooker · Apr 5, 2022

I have a storefront alcohol, tobacco and firearm store in Missouri! I won't sell it out of my store.

animalspooker · Apr 5, 2022

Just out of curiosity, are you all in agreement that this revolver has NO finish left on it?

Me and my lack of knowledge thought there was and that it looked pretty good!?!?

S&W ucla · Apr 5, 2022

Is there any blue under the grips or anywhere else? Looks like bare metal to me but could be old nickel? Hard to tell when not in hand. Neat gun!

glowe · Apr 5, 2022

I am guessing worn nickel unless the images are overexposed. Hard to believe that it was blue with most gone. There is no erosion or wearing of the metal, so overall the gun metal appears to be very good condition. Take a look at the front hinge, sharp edges among the first things to get rounded off if holstered or had lots of use. Stocks do not show much wear, but likely had turned brown and varnished more recently.

merl67 · Apr 5, 2022

I'm betting a cloudy nickle finish it looks awfully good to be a worn down blued finish. I would expect to see some brown staining somewhere. The grips don't appear that worn to me.

mmaher94087 · Apr 5, 2022

We're slightly off the OPs question of "ID-ing" but I believe this is a nice example of a .44-40 Frontier with a nice nickel finish and a scarce 4" barrel. This revolver would only be more collectible if blue.

animalspooker · Apr 6, 2022

We are a little off from the OP, but this information is exactly what I'm looking for. I am am grateful for all of your input/help.

Boulder350 · Apr 6, 2022

It looks like some aggressive cleaning was done altering the finish on this revolver. The trigger guard and latch should be blued and the hammer and trigger should be case hardened. Can't tell from the pictures is these parts have been nickel plated long ago or cleaned to remove those finishes. The grips look like they were painted brown at one point and the paint is rubbing off exposing the black underneath.

NewDeparture · Apr 6, 2022

Hard to be 100% sure, but it looks like the finish has been removed by some method (a soft buffing wheel, perhaps?).

It seems to be in very good condition so I guess this revolver was not in a bad shape before someone
decided to remove the finish from it. Whoever did it was careful enough to preserve all the sharp edges and surfaces.

I´m intrigued about the method used (light buffing? Chemical? mild sandblasting maybe?)

p.s.: sorry about the off topic

.44 Double Action Frontier…I think?

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