Belgian S&W .44-40 Winchester WCF, Value?

[TheyoungGringo85]

I have an awesome example of a old frontier 1870-1880s Top Break S&W Belgian Knockoff chambered in .44-40 Winchester WCF. This particular gun has very nice non-org Walnut Grips. Also missing the org ring to the grip. Other than that the bluing is pretty much gone, with a grayish/brown patina. The trigger and hammer jam up a bit every few shots. The revolver action still functions & spins well. On the right side of the gun a big R with a crown is stamped possibly indicating it's Belgian origins. Also there are two FC or LC with stars stamped on the same side. Spanish I'm guessing? I am looking to get an expert appraisal on this top break piece of history. Just to get a good idea how much I'm looking at for restoration costs. THIS REVOLVER IS NOT FOR SALE. So don't waste your time. This was inherited from my great grandfather who fought in WW2 with the 101st Airborne. Pictures are attached below. Serial # is 39?. Not sure. Thanks for your time & interest.

 

[deadin]

The trigger and hammer jam up a bit. The revolver still functions well.

I don't quite understand this statement. If it "functions well" the trigger and hammer shouldn't "jam up a bit"

Anyway, some clear pictures of the proof, inspectors and any other marks will be needed to identify just what you have. (There are about 5 or 6 different variations of the Crown over R mark and they all aren't necessarily Belgian.)
If it is Belgian there should be some E over LG in an oval marks on various parts.

As to value, these European large bore DA's usually sell in the $200 to $300 range if there is nothing mechanically wrong and the finish and grips are all original and are cosmetically appealing. They usually are not a subject for "restoration" as the cost will outweigh the value of the gun.

 

[TheyoungGringo85]

Thanks for your help, Dean! The trigger and hammer stick. However, the revolver still rotates & functions. I would never trust this gun to shoot it obviously. I was trying to determine if the restoration costs outweigh the value. You surely answered that for me. Top of the flattened barrel stamped 44 WINCHESTER. As I stated, on the right of the gun there is LG,LC OR FC stamped twice with a star above them. Outside the revolver there's a Pineapple head, a large L with crown above it then once again LG,LC OR FC stamped with a star above it. There's also a 39 stamped. Is that the serial #? And is there any other model names for this particular top break? Also, one more question. What would you rate the condition? I'm leaning more towards this just being a conversation piece. Thanks for your time! I have little knowledge on pre 1934 weapons. Thanks again.
Adam

 

[deadin]

I can't really rate the condition from the pictures you have provided, but it appears to be what is called a "Gray" revolver. In other words the original finish is pretty much gone and the metal has turned gray with age.

I'm intrigued by the "Pineapple" logo. Any chance of a clear close-up of it?
Also, at the same time try to get a clearer picture of the markings on the rear of the cylinder. Beg or borrow a camera with a Macro setting and take the pictures with the camera braced on something solid. (Don't "hand-hold" it.) Try to find some natural light for the pictures (Outside in the shade if it is sunny or just outside if cloudy)

As for the Crown marks, crowns are very common in many European proof and inspection marks, but there are subtle differences in the crowns, so while you are at it pictures of them would help.

I would encourage you to just make up a display of the gun pretty much as it is and dedicate it to your Granddad as a memory piece. (If you spent the money to fancy it all up, it wouldn't be as Granddad left it.)

 

[TheyoungGringo85]

Thanks a lot for your help, sir! And I also thank you for serving our country. I apologize as I do not have a fancy camera. I did get creative and use a magnified glass. So I hope this helps! The R with the crown and the FC or LG with the star above are tiny. So far experts have been a little intrigued with this gun like you. My grandfather lived in Memphis, he hung out with the rat pack and apparently bought guns off them. I can't tie any history like that to this specific revolver as he has long passed. He was very good friends with Sammy Davis. How cool is that? Once again thanks for your expertise and advice! I just wish I had a better working camera.
Adam

 

[Camster]

The "pineapple "that you describe, sounds like a Belgian mark that was used for many years.Sometimes described as a fish,though it is actually an oval with a crown on top.Many Belgian Brownings have it,if it's the same thing that we're talking about.
Your gun is a conversation piece.Even if it were a well known brand of higher value,restoration would kill the value.Guns of this vintage are best left alone,aside from wiping them down with oil.

 

[TheyoungGringo85]

Thanks Camster! The Revolver looks exactly as it does in the pictures provided. It has been wiped down with oil, and all the moving parts have been lightly oiled. The hammer seems to be out of alignment causing the inconsistencies in the trigger pull and firing. I am taking Deans advice, and putting it up on the wall in my gun room with a framed photo of my great grandfather holding the gun. I appreciate your gentleman's time and interest. This gun means a lot to me. I wouldn't sell it for $1,000. Being the oldest in my huge collection, I will cherish it forever and pass it down to my son. Thanks again
Adam

 

[Jim Watson]

The "pineapple" is the standard Belgian proof, really a crowned (oval) ELG stamp. The crowned R is the symbol for a rifled barrel, originally handguns in 1894, later for bigbore rifles, eventually for all rifled firearms.

Can't find the starred FC. Littlegun.be says two-letter stamps are typically subcontractor's marks.

Zhuk shows two Belgian revolvers of the type, one "maker unknown", the other "makers unknown, fig 320 (like yours) may be by Ronge of Liege."

 

[DesmoEd]

Leave it exactly as is and mount it in a shadow box with any other 101st WWII memorabilia your family has.....what a conversation piece