I am looking at a S&W 1st model 44 double action, sn 25277. Has the rim inside the cylinder so I believe that confirms it is .44 Russian. To import to Canada, I have to show it is Manf pre-1998 (antique def’n in Canada is pre-1998, not pre-1999 like in the US).
1. Does anyone out there have a factory letter they would be willing to share with me for one of these revolvers in 44 Russian that has a sn > 25277 and shows date of shipping before Jan 1 1998?
2. I have read that the frames of these revolvers were all made pre-1999. Does anyone have a source to show they were all made pre-1998?
Thanks for reading,
Tom

Factory shipping records would confirm when this gun was shipped by obtaining a letter as seen in photo 2.
Since these were shipped(sold) until 1913 even though the frames are pre-1899 that doesn’t help a Canada resident.
Posted photos prove a serial number in the 35,000 range was shipped prior to 1898, however it’s possible earlier numbers were shipped later. The posted letter does prove without question that a gun with serial number in the 25,000 range was MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO 1898.

I thought Canada had a specific serial number range that they referred to for customs? The odds are a serial number in the 25,000 range shipped long before 1898. Maybe you can post that question to customs. Either way your gun having a serial number in the 25,000 range was clearly manufactured way before 1898.

In fact it really is bonehead of Canada Customs to require proof from a collector. They should already have that information available to them!

The attached photo clearly proves that all guns up to serial 35388 were manufactured prior to 1898.

More research would likely provide an even later serial number shipped prior to 1898.



Murph

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Greetings, Oh Fellow Canuck! First off, as you're no doubt aware you put "1998" instead of 1898, no biggie. Secondly, having done the dance with CBSA, depending on who you get processing your shipment, they're not too bad to deal with. You can go to the "Armalytics" website and download information regarding the pistol. I know for a fact that the RCMP have listed as "antique" status the 1st. Mod.DA's into the 45,000 serial number range and beyond so you're OK.

Thanks BMur. That is exactly what I was looking for. I am only traveling through Texas for a few days and can’t wait for a factory letter, so this is next best. Very much appreciated.

Hello Exmilcop, Yes 1800s dates were intended - thanks! I thank you for sharing your experience with Canada customs. I did not want to be standing at customs with a revolver I could not enter Canada with. The fact these were shipped up to 1913 had me concerned. Glad to hear they will rely on info they already have, as I can only provide inferred info, such as what BMur has helped me with above. This clears up a major concern for me.

Cheers,
Tom

In closing this one off, the gun shop choose not to recognize either this revolver or a 1884 shipped Colt 1877 thunder I was also trying to buy as pre-1899 status. Hence, he would not sell them to a non-Texas resident. He stated that he treats all cartridge guns as restricted sales, pre-1899 makes no difference. Just playing it safe I guess, but disappointing not to be able to add this old Smith to the collection. On to the next place…………

Kind of understandable - he does not want to say out loud that he won't sell to a Canadian.

__________________
S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

Your revolver shipped in March 1892 to a dealer in St Louis.
Don Mundell
SWHF Historian

__________________
Don Mundell

Tom
PM me your address and I'll get a letter to you tomorrow. You can pay me later.
Don

__________________
Don Mundell

Don,
Very good of you to give me actual shipping date of revolver in question, sn 25277, and to offer to let me pay later on, while you gave info in advance. I appreciate it.
However, the store owner stated that he feels that the pre-1899 status is a grey area for cartridge guns and he was selling it as if it was a modern handgun only, no discussion. Anyway, his licence so his call. I have left Texas now.
Hence, I do not need the letter, but thanks again for doing your best to help me out in this endeavour to expand my S&W collection.
Tom