Possible 44 Double Action First Model

[merl67]

This is on a local gun site seller has it listed as a Smith Wesson 44. he sent the info on top of barrel Smith&wesson Springfield mass USA pat’d Jan 17&24 65 July 11 65 aug 24 69 July 25 71 dec 2 79 may 11&25 1880 does this sound right pictures aren't very clear it has obviously been refinished thoughts on value.

 

[BMur]

Looks right

Patent dates look right. Gun looks right from the poor photo's. Numbers match? I like the 4" barrel? If so it's a keeper I'd say.

 

[iby]

I agree with refinish.
unless it's a low price I would wait for a better one as this model does not command big$ unless they are very high condition

 

[merl67]

I can get it for around $300

 

[rct269]

Get one for 2-3 or 3-4 or 5-6 thousand, and be happy you got a good gun instead of a cheap one.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[rct269]

As sometimes happens when I'm being somewhat obtuse, I doubt I made my point; so let's try this: Let's talk about what this thing is worth rather than what it cost.

$100? $50?

Now let's talk about what it's going to be worth tomorrow.

$75? $35?

I wonder what you might get tomorrow for one of those that you put 4-5 thousand in today?

More? Less?

Probably still too obtuse, right?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[BMur]

Yeah,
I don't know about what the market will pay for a re-finished antique Smith in general? but I do have a firm grip on reality with Antique parts? Just parting this Antique Smith out is worth double that price so I don't think the price is the issue here. It's what you want in your collection. You certainly aren't getting hurt on that price! but honestly we are judging the piece with very poor photo's. Assuming the parts are serviceable it's worth double that! All stampings, numbers, etc must be visible and not buffed out with the re-finish. I can make a long list of things that can be wrong with this gun that would reduce value considerably. In hand inspection is kinda a must.

 

[merl67]

Mr Tremaine
Your obtuse opinions are always welcome direct, and to the point. While I wish I had the kind of money to play with you mentioned I do not, so I must be realistic in my expectations. I do not see these in shooting condition at this price at all, so if I want a representative of one in my collection this is one I can afford. Now back to the gun in question I did make a deal with the guy he wouldn't separate the two guns he had so I bought both the 44 Double Action First Model, and a.38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model for $600. The 44 is in good working condition the patent dates are clearly visible as the serial number 24379 which is found in all the spots is should be the grips however do not have any serial number at all, but they fit perfectly . I am happy with the gun. If anyone has a nearby ship date please share.

 

[iby]

Randy
for $300 you made an excellent deal

This one cost me $1800

 

[Rambler42]

I'd say you both got a good deal.

 

[Kinman]

If I ran across a nice shooter grade like what you have there for that kind of money I would be very interested and probably grab it, as long as it had a decent lock-up and no mechanical issues. I enjoy shooting old pieces and paid six times that much for one that was factory re-finished and is a blast to shoot black powder loads through. As far as I'm concerned I am the end user of this revolver, I am not concerned about getting any money out of it when I am done, when I'm done...end of story.

 

[merl67]

Does anyone know the purpose of the long grooves around the cylinder in between the front locking notches?

 

[mmaher94087]

Randy, the revolver has double stops for the cylinder. It is often called "double rocker stops". The notches closest to the recoil shield are the cylinder stops when the hammer is cocked. The middle cylinder stops are used to hold the cylinder from rotating when the hammer is down and the trigger released. The second groove is a 'free groove' which allows the cylinder to rotate past the cylinder stop until it locks in battery.

 

[merl67]

Thanks Mike!