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[lkabug]

Neighbor stopped by asking if I could help identify an old gun and appoxamate value.
So I'll turn to the expert.... serial number is 7143 and matching on several other parts. Has roll stamp on top of a 5 inch barrel. Appears to be a 44 something. Side plate screw looks to have been tempered with at one time.


So what do we have, and of what value?

More photos in post 10 below.

 

[rct269]

Looks to be a .44 DA 1st (or some such) with a joint pivot and joint pivot screw in backwards, that's been rode hard and put up wet, and worth something in the very low $100's-----thereabouts, if that,----for parts--or as a project for someone who's snowed in for several months at a time and has nobody to talk to-----and no dogs or cats.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[gmborkovic]

Ralph, the ole girl needs a little attention. Come on man, a little love and care. In the hands of an old lover, this could be a pearl. The grips look OK!

 

[mmaher94087]

Agree, 1st Model .44 Double Action. Swap the barrel hinge pin and screw (Joint pivot and joint pivot screw) 180* and shoot .44 Russian rounds. Align the witness marks on the pin and frame.

 

[rct269]

Okay---you got me with the grips---assuming they're at least all in one piece.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[BMur]

Frontier 44??

I don’t know Gents,

That sure looks like a Frontier 44 to me. The cylinder looks a bit long for the Russian so assuming it is a Frontier 44 WCF? Value shoots up accordingly.

How about a photo of the action open and the back of the cylinder showing the ejector? That will confirm it.
The last time I saw a Frontier sell for a couple hundred dollars was about 30 years ago! I just posted a Frontier that sold on Gunbroker “Last Week” for $1600! And it was in pretty bad shape also.

So I think it’s time to realize it’s the year 2020!


Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

The serial number falls in both ranges either .44 Russian, 1st Model or .44-40 Frontier. A clear photo through the cylinder charge holes would clear up the caliber question.

 

[BMur]

44 Russian/ 44 Frontier cyl comparison

If we look at the OP’s gun in photo 1?
Then compare the cylinder to a Russian cylinder in photo 2?
It’s visibly longer.
Then look at a confirmed Frontier cylinder in photo 3?
That sure looks to me like the OP’s gun cylinder.
I sure hope your neighbor didn’t get rid of it Cheap!! It’s worth well over $1,000 assuming it matches and functions?

More photos please?

Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

Yup. Agree. Your side by side photos made me a believer.

 

[lkabug]

Thanks to all .
More photos here

 

[mmaher94087]

The photo of the straight walled cylinder charge hole with no step confirms that it is not .44 Russian.

 

[glowe]

End the speculation and measure it. If 1 7/16" it is a 44 Russian, if 1 9/16", a Fronter in 44-40 (44 Winchester).

The 44 Russian has a single step and the 44-40 has two steps, but if the chambers are worn, it might be hard to see the shoulder step. Who knows what some previous owner might have done to the cylinder?? I agree with Ralph, it is a no finish 44 DA with worn stocks, especially the left one. May have been carried by a left-handed owner.

As for value, maybe $500 on a very good day at the auction.

 

[BMur]

44 Frontier Double Action

I don’t know,
I trust my eyes, my photo comparison, and the photo provided by the OP of the rear of the cylinder. ALL are proof positive it’s a 44 WCF DA Frontier.
What I’m fixated on is the first photo of the back of the cylinder? It looks like it has a machined ridge on the outer circumference that has what looks like the remains of nickel finish. Like a nickel ring? Also what appears to be a chunk missing on the bottom?
I’ve never seen a large caliber Smith & Wesson machined like that. Very Sharp and deep serial number stamp also!

Murph

 

[lkabug]

The cylinder measures 1-9/16, there is one ledge in each charge hole approximately 1/4 inch fron the front face of the cylinder.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Looks pretty good to me. Considering it’s 100 plus years old.

 

[gmborkovic]

Im not a collector of this model S&W. But if I were, I would have a dummy 44 Rus. and 44WCF in my pocket to check the cyl/cal. Bad idea?

 

[Levallois]

Im not a collector of this model S&W. But if I were, I would have a dummy 44 Rus. and 44WCF in my pocket to check the cyl/cal. Bad idea?

You'd freak them out at the gun show.........

 

[BMur]

Measuring tape

What needs to be in my pocket at all gun shows is;

A bore Gauge: To confirm caliber
A very small plastic 3ft measuring tape: confirm barrel length and in this case cylinder length
A jewelers loop: To see fine details up close
A tiny flashlight on my key ring to check bores, look for cracks, bulges, etc.

It comes from being burned a time or two!

Murph

 

[merl67]

What needs to be in my pocket at all gun shows is;

A bore Gauge: To confirm caliber
A very small plastic 3ft measuring tape: confirm barrel length and in this case cylinder length
A jewelers loop: To see fine details up close
A tiny flashlight on my key ring to check bores, look for cracks, bulges, etc.

It comes from being burned a time or two!

Murph

This times 10...