Russian Model 3

[Namvet68]

Hi All, I am new to this forum but have enjoyed owning S&W's for years. A non-gun enthusiast friend was given this gun by his father who brought it back from Germany after WWII. He is interested in finding its value and possibly selling it. On the top of the barrel it has Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. and patient dates in 1869. "Russian Model" and an over-strike digit and then "Reissue July 25 1871". On the butt it has 46379 and 1874 in a box and the letter "P" below the swivel. The inside of the grip also has 46379 on one grip. Under the latch and on the back of the cylinder on the frame under the grip is stamped "7169" It locks up tight with very little play. The bore is clean with no pits. The bluing is about 85% and no rust. Would a letter help the value? What does S&W charge for the research? Any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. Click on this link for pictureshttps://picasaweb.google.com/105511801371026710368/Russian?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ76z_7w0pL2vgE#

 

[opoefc]

Your gun is a 3rd Model Russian, made about 1876, in caliber .44S&W Russian. The serial number is 46379 and apparently all matching. You can get a factory historical research letter from Roy Jinks, Factory Historian for $50. There's a link on this forum & on the S&W Factory web page for the form to order the research. The letter will tell you the history of the design, number of this model manufactured, when the gun was shipped, to whom or where, and the configuration when shipped Value for this type of antique S&W ranges between $1500 - $2200 in most locations. Quite a few of this model were shipped out of the US by S&W's distributors. Ed.

 

[Namvet68]

Ed, thanks for the info. I mailed the order for research today.
thanks again,
kirby