New Model 3 Frontier in 44-40 - Value and rarity?

[tarro3220]

Hi everyone,

I've had this for a couple months now but didn't decide to take a closer look until now. It's a S&W New Model 3 in a beat up condition (still functions though). I thought it was 44 Russian since it chambers 44 russian fine, but the other day I notice it would also take 44-40 brass.

Is this a New Model 3 Frontier? The standard catalog says only ~2073 were made, and this one has a serial number 1,8XX.

Also I noticed the catalog says the longer cylinder of over 1 9/16" is indication of Frontier model when it's a low serial number (When did they make the change from 1 7/16" to 1 9/16" on the 44 russian New Model 3's?)

The bad news is the barrel has been unceremoniously cut down right before the "MASS USA" marking. It looks like a period modification because the inset front sight has the same amount of wear as the barrel. Barrel and cylinder are matching to the frame.

Any estimates on value or rarity, and whether it's worth getting a letter even though it's cut down? I know the 44 Russian DA's seem to be going for a premium compared to the 44 Frontier DA's these days because of canadian exporters, what about the New Model 3 Frontiers, where only 2000 were made?


For a New Model 3 that's cut down and in beat up condition, would a 44 Russian or a 44-40 be worth more these days?

 

[Boulder350]

Great looking revolver. I agree, you have a Frontier model with the low serial number and the longer cylinder.

In the 1890's this model was not selling very well so Smith & Wesson converted 786 to 44 Russian leaving only 1287 chambered in 44 Winchester (44-40).

As for value, the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists this revolver as being worth $100 to $200 more than the regular New Model #3 Single Action in 44 S&W (Russian) in the same condition. In my opinion its under valued for what it is.

As far as getting a letter, there are many reasons to do so. On this one it would be neat to find out where it went for historical interest with a chance it could have been special ordered for a famous individual. I lettered mine with a two digit serial number and found out it went to a Chicago retailer in 1887.

 

[bigwagon]

For a shooter grade gun, I would find 44-40 a more interesting and desirable caliber, but I'm not sure how that translates into collector value.

 

[karotipir12]

In my opinion, for a shooter grade gun with cut barrel, the 44 Russian might be more valuable because Canadians are snapping these up to use just as shooters.


If it was in collector grade unmodified barrel, the 44-40 would probably be more valuable.



But I'm not sure what the experts here think

 

[iby]

In my opinion, for a shooter grade gun with cut barrel, the 44 Russian might be more valuable because Canadians are snapping these up to use just as shooters.


If it was in collector grade unmodified barrel, the 44-40 would probably be more valuable.



But I'm not sure what the experts here think

In this instance, there are no experts. Only guessers

 

[tarro3220]

Any ballpark guesses for value in this condition? $500? $1000? $1500?