Hello All. I Need Value Help!

[jclem02]

Hello all. I don't post much here, but I do watch the site quite often, mostly to try and learn. I'm afraid to say that although I am familiar with the quality and reputation of Smith and Wesson, I just don't know enough about them...especially their older weapons. Case in point...the gun I have posted here. It is a piece that unfortunately I need to sell but I truly do not know what it might be worth.

If anyone here could give me an idea of a fair asking price range, or a better resource to look it up (although I can't imagine a better place than here) I would really appreciate it.

It is a S&W 44/40 with a factory letter. I truly hope someone can help me put a value on this. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum. Condition is the key to values for most antique S&Ws, such as yours. How much of the original nickel finish is left on yours? is it mechanically OK ? How's the bore? Are the grips original to the gun ( they should be numbered on the back side, probably in pencil) ? Supply those answers and we can give you a value range. By the way, all .44/40 Double Action recovers had their frames made before 1898, so they are classified as Antiques by the ATF, regardless of when they were shipped. Ed.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum jclem02. The value of these guns is, as Ed says, totally dependent on condition and configuration. Excellent to almost new could sell for well over $5000, while one in Good condition would be $1500, and one in Fair condition under $700. The caliber adds value, since it is scarce as compared to the standard 44 Russian caliber in this model.

I took the liberty of blowing up your image and it looks like your gun has been re-nickeled. Surface has a roughness under the nickel, but it looks like almost all of the renickel is intact from your picture. One area I always look is the frame pivot area. Originally, there was a sharp bevel on the rounded section of the hinge, but since yours is either quite worn or buffed, it is now rounded. The fact that there is full nickel over the area, leads me to believe a refinish has been done.

You do have a fine looking old west style 6-shooter that is great fun at the range and has some decent value. This is only a guess, but I am thinking if refinished, would sell for $ 1000.

 

[deadin]

OK Ed and Glowe, How much should the OP's Frontier be worth to me???
(Or mine worth to whoever ends up with his.....?)

Here's mine...... (I figure it's worth around $1000+ currently)

Shipped 12/31/1900 to Montgomery Wards, Chicago IL

Serial #11808

(I also know the name of the original owner and the subsequent family history...)

 

[glowe]

Dean, As I am sure you know, there were only 15,000 44-40s made, while there were 54,000 44 Russians made, so value on all 44-40s should be above the 44 Russian caliber guns. I have seen the value of these go up in the last couple of years and guns that could have been bought for $500 are now selling for quite a bit more.

Your Frontier looks all original and removing the rust with a little polishing, I bet you will see a 90% gun, but hard to tell from one picture. Let me know what you think the amount of original finish left. If it were tight, with good bore and fully functional, I would say you have a gun that is collector worthy, where the OPs gun is more a shooter grade. You only know the true value when you find someone to pay what you are asking, but I think a 90% gun would have a value of $1500.

 

[deadin]

I think my question is what are consecutive serial numbers worth? (if anything)
In other words, how much would the pair be worth compared to the sum of each individually......

 

[glowe]

Sorry Dean - I missed the significance of your question. I have never ran across references to consecutive serial numbered guns other than cased sets, so am at a loss. I guess my above statement would still hold true that it is worth what the buyer is willing to pay. Given that, it would certainly be a value adder to have 2 guns one number apart. I have been looking for that in the SWCA database and have not found any examples yet.

Maybe the question is how much are you willing to pay the OP for his gun? Hopefully, Ed has the answer.

 

[mmaher94087]

I think consecutive serial number guns are unique and interesting to have; but every one produced is consecutive to another if more than one was manufactured. I'd pay a little more for the unique factor but not much unless they were shipped by the factory as a consecutive pair. Mike #283

 

[jclem02]

Guys, thank you all for the welcomes and the information. It is a double edged sword...I'm glad to know more about the weapon, but I was really hoping it was a $2200 piece and unfortunately it does not sound like that is the case.

For Dean...I can see the value to you on the consecutive serial numbers...that is crazy that not only are they consecutive, but that I posted it and you found it. Small world for sure. However, if glowe is anywhere near correct on this piece, I wouldn't feel right trying to get $2200 out of it...which ultimately is what I'm trying to round up. If you want to make an offer, you are welcome to do so for sure. All I can do is say no.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[deadin]

As was said by Ed and Glowe, more clear close-up photos are needed to evaluate the finish. Are all numbers matching? (See picture below for locations of other serials in addition to those on the butt and inside of the right grip panel.) Be very careful removing the grips as they can crack easily around the locating pin near the bottom of the panel. Do not try to “pry” them off. Back out the grip screw and then lightly tap on it to push the opposite panel off. If it seems too tight, it might be better to just leave it alone and find someone experienced with removing these grips.

Other questions would be mechanical condition. How is the bore and cylinder interior? How much “play” (both side to side and back and forth) is there in the cylinder when the hammer is at full cock or the hammer is down and the trigger is all the way back? Is there any “wiggle” at all in the latch? Does it time correctly in both DA and SA? Are there any cracks or chips in the grip panels?

I feel that Glowe may be a little optimistic in his opinion of value if the gun is a refinish. However, he also is more tuned into current values than I am, especially for his area of the country. My interest is solely in the serial number (which would be of no interest to anyone else except, possibly, the owner of 11806.) as I don’t collect 44/40 DA’s and already have one.

So, if the value truly is in the $1000+ range, my interest is not that great, but I would like a chance at it if you get any solid offers.
As you said, I can always say No.


Serial locations:

 

[jclem02]

The serial numbers do all match up, and as far as I can tell the action of the pistol is great. The bore I would say is in good condition. I do appreciate your interest, and certainly the information I've learned here, but I will probably end up selling some other pieces to raise the money I need instead of this one given that it appears $1000 would be the high side for this piece.