44 DA Frontier

[NFrames]

Greetings,

My Smith collection is mostly comprised of postwar N frames and they're probably my favorite revolvers.

Lately, I've become very interested in the top break models. I've spent a lot of time with SCSW 3 getting to know a bit about the evolution and specifics on these models.

I've become aware of a 44 DA Frontier model for sale and would appreciate your input.

I have not handled the revolver and am relying on pictures. It is a blue finish 5" gun. I am virtually certain the gun has been refinished. The bluing is just "too nice" for a gun of this vintage. Also, I can't see a caliber marking on the barrel, even when enlarging the picture. I suspect it was buffed off in the refinish process.

Nevertheless, the gun is interesting to me. The seller is asking $800. That seems high to me, but am not sure about the value of refinished guns.

What would be a reasonable offer?

Thanks for your insights.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[peyton]

Can you find ammo for this revolver?? I am not familiar with the old S&W's.

 

[deadin]

Glenn,
Are you sure it's a Frontier? The only sure way to tell is a combination of the cylinder length and the serial number.
(1 9/16th cylinder and a serial under 15,341)
My Frontier is all original and does not have any cartridge markings on the barrel.

 

[feralmerril]

Even if refinished but looking as good as you say, you couldnt get hurt much at $800.

 

[cgt4570]

My 1-7/16" cylinder DA in .44 Russian is not caliber-stamped either. Most of them that shipped prior to the 20th century weren't stamped.

 

[twaits]

I think if the refinishing isn't bad and the mechanics are good $800 isn't a bad price. I think these are some of the most attractive guns S&W ever made.

Also, I have a DA Frontier in .44 WCF and it has no caliber markings.

 

[NFrames]

Thanks all for your input.

Obviously, I am still learning about these revolvers. I assumed (always dangerous) that caliber markings were found on the barrel of all models. Thanks for correcting me.

I am trusting the seller's description (at this point) that it is a 44-40 frontier. If I decide to pursue it, I'll ask for a cylinder measurement as well as other information.

The seller states that the serial number is 130x and is found on the barrel latch, cylinder and grips.

Again, my thanks.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[feralmerril]

You might get real lucky and find the gun was never refinished. Years ago I had this nickle one that was original. Ex`wife liberated it and sold it.

 

[NFrames]

Feralmerril-shame on her!

Spoke with the seller today, the gun is indeed refinished.

Was able to negotiate a bit on price and he offered free shipping. I think I'm gonna buy it.

Thanks to all who responded.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[NFrames]

Doing more research on the Frontier, I found that later production revolvers had caliber markings on the left side of the barrel. (Reference: SCSW 3 p. 110)

Here's an example:

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/ot55-pix/bz-327m.jpg

Just thought I'd pass on the information.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[deadin]

Glenn,
Correct! But the serial you posted is definitely not "late" production.
Mine carries serial 11808 and was shipped to Montgomery Wards, Chicago in December of 1900. (No caliber marking)
But, then again, they weren't shipped in serial number order, so who knows when it was actually made.
Might be an interesting drill to try to figure just when they started marking them. Of course, as with all things S&W, there probably isn't a "clean" change-over date.

 

[NFrames]

Yes, SN 130x would seem to be fairly early production.

Seems like there's never a "clean" change over date for any production changes, judging by all the "transitional" models I've seen.

The patent information on the barrel rib also changed from 2-line to 1-line at some point.

Also, all the Frontier frames were made pre-1899, but revolvers were cataloged until 1913. (SCSW 3 p. 110)

Regards,

Glenn

 

[twaits]

You might get real lucky and find the gun was never refinished. Years ago I had this nickle one that was original. Ex`wife liberated it and sold it.

Ouch! That thing looked perfect! The grips don't even look worn.

 

[ddrite46]

I am fortunate enough to have a .44 DA Frontier, SN 6492. It has no cartridge designation on the barrel.

The beautiful .44 DA in Nframes' post raises a question for me. I make out the cartridge designation with difficulty to be -44 S & W CTG-. Having never seen a 44-40 Winchester cartidge designation, I certainly would rely on the experience of others, but are we looking at a Frontier, or could this be a .44 DA in a rare cartridge?

Bill

 

[twaits]

I am fortunate enough to have a .44 DA Frontier, SN 6492. It has no cartridge designation on the barrel.

The beautiful .44 DA in Nframes' post raises a question for me. I make out the cartridge designation with difficulty to be -44 S & W CTG-. Having never seen a 44-40 Winchester cartidge designation, I certainly would rely on the experience of others, but are we looking at a Frontier, or could this be a .44 DA in a rare cartridge?

Bill

That pic is from Armchairgunshow. I believe Jim Supica is involved with that somehow is he not? It probably is some rare museum quality S&W.

 

[NFrames]

Correct, the picture of the Frontier was one I found in a google search. Could be anywhere now.

Jim Supica is, I believe, no longer associated with Armchairgunshow. I think he left to become director of the NRA's firearms museum.

 

[NFrames]

Bill,

You are correct. I downloaded the image and enlarged it and see the "44 S&W" stamping.

All Frontiers are 44-40. Perhaps this is actually a 44 DA First Model, although SCSW 3 makes no reference to barrel caliber stampings.

Hmm....

 

[deadin]

but are we looking at a Frontier, or could this be a .44 DA in a rare cartridge?

.44 S&W is the same thing as .44 Russian. Frontiers that are marked would say "44 WCF" (44/40)

As I pointed out before, without a barrel marking you have to use the serial # and cylinder length to identify which is which.
If it's 1-7/16ths, it's a 44 DA in 44 Russian. If it's 1-9/16ths and the serial is under 15,341 it's a Frontier, otherwise is a 44 DA.

I just remembered... There is one other 1-9/16ths cylinder chambering. If the barrel slugs to .40 caliber and the serial is under 277, you've got a .38 WCF DA. (38-40). SCSW3 says these are worth about double of a standard .44 DA.
With only 276 made I would think that estimation is probably quite low.
When I was collecting S&W chamberings I couldn't find one. I did know where there was a NM #3 in 38-40 but couldn't talk the owner out of it. (Only 74 of them made.)

 

[NFrames]

In the 44 DA series there's also the very rare 44 DA Wesson Favorite. Only about a thousand made in 44 S&W.
Don't bump into those every day.

 

[29aholic]

Poetic thread

I just looked at SN #4799 today which has a 1 9/16" cylinder. Price is $500, but it needs some work.

Does anyone have an approximate ship date for this SN?