Newfangled collector needs help Id'ing something a bit older.

[RoadVirus]

Several acquaintances know that I'm a S&W collector as I've found getting that info out can help my hording "problem". Had a friend ask me about this Top-Break that he inherited from his Grandfather. I have not seen this in person, only viewed the pics shared here. Owner says there is no caliber info stamped into barrel. My knowledge is 1900 or so and newer and have never owned one of these. Owner not looking to sell, just wants to know what he has. Thank you.

 

[22lrfan]

With that serial no. my guess would be a .38 Double Action, 2nd Model made from 1880 to 1884.

 

[murphydog]

It's a six-shot cylinder, so cannot be a .32 or .38 Double Action. It is most likely a .44 Double Action in .44 Russian. Less commonly in .44/40 and .38/40.

 

[mmaher94087]

I'm with Alan; .44 Double Action. Second photo shows the cartridge stop for the .44 Russian in the cylinder.

 

[22lrfan]

It's a six-shot cylinder, so cannot be a .32 or .38 Double Action. It is most likely a .44 Double Action in .44 Russian. Less commonly in .44/40 and .38/40.

Dang. I need to pay more attention. Didn't even notice it being a 6 shot.

 

[iby]

It is a 1st model 44 DA
It has been cleaned hard and possibly reblued

 

[reddog81]

What does the finish look like? It's hard to tell from pics but it looks like the gun might not have any finish and just be in the white. The cylinder and barrel look like it has quite a bit of pitting

 

[RoadVirus]

What does the finish look like? It's hard to tell from pics but it looks like the gun might not have any finish and just be in the white. The cylinder and barrel look like it has quite a bit of pitting

I haven't had it in hand, only seen these picture. It does look to be in the white and pitted though.

 

[RoadVirus]

It is a 1st model 44 DA
It has been cleaned hard and possibly reblued

What time frame of mfg ? I am away from my books. Thank you.

 

[murphydog]

This model was cataloged from 1881-1913 with about 54000 produced, but you can't know when SN 15000 was shipped or sold (the official factory birth date).

All the .44 DA frames were reportedly made by 1898 as they are classified as antiques - so produced maybe in the mid-1880s? Only a letter of authenticity will give you its exact age.

 

[iby]

True about shipping dates but yours likely mid 1880's

 

[bcowern]

All the .44 DA frames were reportedly made by 1898

So no frames were manufactured after 1897?

Do you, by any chance, have a reference?

bcowern

 

[murphydog]

So no frames were manufactured after 1897?

Do you, by any chance, have a reference?

bcowern

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, page 121, lower right corner.