Should I buy? Whats fair market value? DA 1st Model 44 Russian

[superdave269]

A close friend of mine has offered his late fathers S&W Double Action 1st Model to me (for sale). It has a factory letter. Obviously the wrong grips as there new. We both believe it's been refinished so that hurts the value. The really cool thing is the serial number is 50 away from John Harding's' S&W. Neither of us know what fair market value is. I would appreciate any input that you can give me. Thanks.
https://ibb.co/syWNtxC
https://ibb.co/jkmxqt5
https://ibb.co/kBVcrYf
https://ibb.co/fDxVZhr
https://ibb.co/VtQqwFW
https://ibb.co/Nm1f1t5

 

[mmaher94087]

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see the refinish.

 

[opoefc]

44DA, ser.# 302, was manufactured June 1, 1881, as a nickle plated revolver with hard rubber stocks. If it has been refinished, it was done by an expert, perhaps the factory. Look under the stocks for any factory refinshing stamp, dates, etc. As is, this gun could easily reach mid 4 figures in a good auction . Ed

 

[superdave269]

I didn't think about it being a factory refinish job. I will ask him to remove the grips to see if there is any stamps. However the factory letter did not make mention of any refinish work. His father over paid, he spent 3K for it. My friend told me he would take $1000 from me as he wants it to go to a good home. Meaning a collector that he knows personally.

 

[mrcvs]

Others stated they felt this revolver was not refinished or maybe done at the factory, but I thought that the tint of the nickel finish line looks off, but the photographs aren't terrific and better photographs are needed. The points of any pins protruding look sharp, and have not been buffed flat. Also, the thumb latch and trigger guard are blued, which is the proper factory configuration. Not to say these weren't reblued IF this revolver was refinished, but often when renickeled the entire revolver gets renickeled.

So, as to value. I would gladly pay $1000 for this one if it was factory original or if it has the month and date code stamped on the frame. That diminishes the value about 15%, to 85% of original. I think that if original, it's possible this revolver could approach 3k at auction today, but these had been depressed for so long, I don't see how your friend's father could not have onerpaid at that time for it.

The general consensus is that this revolver is NOT refinished, but if it was, it's a very good refinish and probably worth $1000, especially if purchasing from a friend.

 

[glowe]

Worth w-a-a-a-a-a-y more than $1000! Guess it is up to you to do what is right for the seller. A set of K frame round butt hard rubber stocks should fit well, but the front edge is less rounded on the 44 DA.

Ed is one of our most knowledgeable members here, especially with antiques, and his estimate of the mid-four figures is meant to mean thousands, not one-thousand. SCSW4 states Excellent condition as being worth $4000! Excellent condition for an antique is only 85% original finish. I see no indications of a refinish.

 

[SS336]

It sure looks legit in the pictures. For $1000 I would be on that like a chicken on a June bug.

 

[superdave269]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of your input. I will call my friend later today and ask him why he feels it was refinished. I don't recall why he feels that way he did tell me but it was a while ago before he offered it to me.

 

[mrcvs]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of your input. I will call my friend later today and ask him why he feels it was refinished. I don't recall why he feels that way he did tell me but it was a while ago before he offered it to me.

Can you take photographs of it in natural light including beneath the grips when removed?

 

[superdave269]

Can you take photographs of it in natural light including beneath the grips when removed?

I can him. I'm sure when he has some time he would. Even though he is retired he still works a part time job and is restoring an old car so I will need to remind him while there is still day light.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of your input. I will call my friend later today and ask him why he feels it was refinished. I don't recall why he feels that way he did tell me but it was a while ago before he offered it to me.

Post us a nice clear close up of the fine Texts which are on top of the Barrel.

 

[Oyeboteb]

I can him. I'm sure when he has some time he would. Even though he is retired he still works a part time job and is restoring an old car so I will need to remind him while there is still day light.

If Timing and Lock up and Bore are good, ( even if with aftermarket Stocks ), a $1000.00 buy in, even if re-finished, it is certainly "Good to Go" within the realities of the present Marketplace.

Otherwise in general, if only three pictures, one should always be, a good, in focus close up, of the Barrel top Texts.

 

[superdave269]

I sent him a text asking for more pics. He responded that he knows that his father had it nickeled. He has no idea of who did the work. Possibly Smith & Wesson. I realize that if it was the original finish it would be a 3 or 4 thousand dollar gun. I think the $1000 price my friend put on it is what he feels is a fair price despite that fact that his father spent a lot on it.

 

[superdave269]

My pal sent me this today. I don't think the writing is to bad at all.

https://ibb.co/N3tcM7J

 

[mrcvs]

My pal sent me this today. I don't think the writing is to bad at all.

https://ibb.co/N3tcM7J

Yep, definitely renickeled.

 

[mmaher94087]

It does appear to be a re-plate.

 

[merl67]

A bargain at $1000 as others have said if it is a refinish someone knew what they were doing. The lettering on top of the barrel sure doesn't look like it has been messed with nothing on this one looks like it was refinished...