Please Help Me Identify

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So, I received this pistol for Christmas from my father-in-law. The story in the family goes, is that his grandfather or great-grandfather (I cannot remember which), bought this pistol off of Clyde Barrow. He had him hand write out a receipt because he wanted to make sure that it was not stolen. Unfortunately, the receipt cannot be found at this time. I was wondering if someone can help me date this pistol and also the caliber. I tried a .44 special in the cylinder and it almost fit snugly, but not quite. The ones I see are usually .38 cal, but that shell just falls through the cylinder. I have attached a couple of pics of the pistol. If you cannot see the serial number well, it's 6563. Unfortunately, my father-in-law's relative put their initials on the handle (hated that!). I want to get this pistol restored to working condition. Thank you in advance for any help!
 

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Maybe one of those old, oddball 44 calibers.

WifeAggro,

The Revolver you received for Christmas from Your Father-in-Law is a 1st Model #3 .44 Dbl.-Action chambered for the .44 S&W Russian Cartridge as best as I can tell!!

Only other Model it could be is a #3 Frontier .44-40 Dbl-Action chambered for the .44-40 Cartridge which has a 1 9/16" Cyl., but I believe Your Revolver has the shorter 1 7/16" Cyl. unless I'm mistaken on the Cyl. Length!! Hope this helps!!
 
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here is the entry in Smith and Wesson Standard Catalog 4th edition.

Caliber:.44 S&W Russian. Single-action revolver built on a top-break frame. Identical to American Models except chambered for .44 Russian cartridge instead of .44 American, and civilian commercial guns are marked "Russian Model" on barrel. 6-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.42" Has smooth walnut grips, with blue or nickel finish. Eight-inch barrel standard, with 6" and 7" also produced; round blade front sight with the rear sight is a notch that projects on top of barrel latch, this mode has a butt swivel. They are found with either features of the Transitional American or the Second Model American. Weight of this model with 6" barrel is 38oz. Commercial guns numbered with the American models in serial number range 6000 -32800 were manufactured c. 1871 - 1874. Russian contract guns serial number 1-20000. ID Key: Same as American models, but with stepped chambers and marked "Russian Model"
 

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Mistaken Identity...Sorry About That!!

The Revolver you received for Christmas from Your Father-in-Law is a 1st Model #3 .44 Dbl.-Action chambered for the .44 S&W Russian Cartridge as best as I can tell!!

WifeAggro,

After looking over Your Photos a bit closer I now believe Your Revolver "IS" a #3 Frontier .44-40 Dbl-Action chambered for the .44-40 W.C.F. Cartridge rather than a 1st Model #3 .44 Dbl.-Action...Guess I should have looked the Photos over a bit closer before responding as I originally did...Happens sometimes!!
 
Hi There,


I agree this is a "Frontier" model. I have a similar one.


Cheers!
Webb
 

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The difference between an early 44 Russian cylinder and a 44 Winchester cylinder is only 1/8", but comparing the OP's to one I had shows them to be very close, so I am thinking it is a 44 Frontier. The factory made serial number 1 - 15,340 of this model. The serial number also fits and all 44 Russian cylinders under 15,340, but they were all were short cylinder. The Frontier was made from 1886 to 1913 and all are antiques.

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Definitely not a 38 caliber. I put a 38 round in the cylinder and it fell straight through.
 
I appreciate any help! I never even considered the 44-40. I have some rounds downstairs and will go check it with those to see. There was not writing anywhere on the barrel, other than the pic I took of the top of the pistol. There is nothing on the side of the barrel or anywhere else on the pistol whatsoever.
 
Assuming the Clyde Barrow story is true, how much of a guarantee the gun was not stolen is a receipt signed by Barrow? It would only be evidence your relative had not stolen the gun. That letter, if it exists, could be of greater value than the gun itself!

Since you have the gun in-hand please measure the cylinder and tell us how long it is. As others said, if it is 1 7/16" it will be a .44 Russian and be a New Model #3. If the cylinder measures 1 9/16" then it is a .44-40 Frontier. My Frontier serial number is just under 2100.
 
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