Smith & Wesson Frontier 44-40 value

[MattByf]

[

Pictured above is a s&w frontier in 44-40 listed for sale at a local shop near me. I find myself unsure of its value as due to it having a replacement brass front sight and and apparent re nickel " evident by its presence on small part such as the trigger, trigger guard, latch, and hammer." I'm wondering if this is a deal I should take or if I'm wrong about he re nickel. any help in regards to information on the gun is appreciated. Ps if it has any extra meaning the serial was in the low 4000's

 

[Model19man]

It's not out of the question for those to be priced higher than $2500 if in pristine shape with original finish. You have to think of it as a shooter if the original finish has been replaced. Value will fall a lot.

 

[iby]

The cylinder looks kinda short for 44-40

 

[BMur]

Refinished

Welcome aboard Matt!

I agree with iby,
It is NOT a Frontier model in 44 WCF. It's a First Model large frame DA in 44 Russian.

It's also heavily RE-NICKELED. That is NOT original finish. The factory did not nickel finish hammers, Triggerguards, catches, and triggers.

I would also look closely at the barrel markings and see if they are even visible? This heavy nickel finish often erases markings.

Sure is purty though.

Murph

 

[MattByf]

Welcome aboard Matt!

I agree with iby,
It is NOT a Frontier model in 44 WCF. It's a First Model large frame DA in 44 Russian.

It's also heavily RE-NICKELED. That is NOT original finish. The factory did not nickel finish hammers, Triggerguards, catches, and triggers.

I would also look closely at the barrel markings and see if they are even visible? This heavy nickel finish often erases markings.

Sure us purty though.

Murph

I wonder what its value is considering.

 

[BMur]

Value

Matt,

It's impossible to determine market value from one photo. It's the same as looking at a photo of a car. Means very little towards value.

The antique must have matching numbers in 4 locations, all markings must be clear and legible, all actions must function perfectly in single and double action. The ejector must function well, bore should be at least good. Grips on both sides must be intact and original, no reproduction parts, no welds, bulges, loose fittings, etc, etc

If all I just listed is applicable to this example then it rates antique good condition as refinished.

I sincerely doubt this example meets all the criteria I just mentioned. If it doesn't meet everything I just posted the price drops big time because fixing antique guns is not simple or cheap. That's one huge factor sellers refuse to consider. The cost to repair.

Murph

 

[dltvette]

I agree, barrel looks short for a Frontier,
These were part of my collection sold in 2016. Very little finish on both.

63. 44 Double Action First Model: Serial Number 13xxx on butt & 13xxx on barrel, latch & cylinder. Cylinder is 1-7/16", chambered in 44 Russian. 6" barrel. Nickel finish (0-10%). Shipped Nov. 1884 per Roy. $731.00

64. 44 Double Action Frontier: Serial Number 10xxx on butt, barrel, latch & cylinder. 5" barrel, 1-9/16" cylinder chambered in 44-40 Winchester. Walnut grips not numbered to gun. Blue finish (30-50%). Spokane, WA. Symposium shipping letter from Roy states, shipped Dec. 5, 1897 to Philip Bekeart Co. San Francisco, California. $1,403.00

 

[MattByf]

Matt,

It's impossible to determine market value from one photo. It's the same as looking at a photo of a car. Means very little towards value.

The antique must have matching numbers in 4 locations, all markings must be clear and legible, all actions must function perfectly in single and double action. The ejector must function well, bore should be at least good. Grips on both sides must be intact and original, no reproduction parts, no welds, bulges, loose fittings, etc, etc

If all I just listed is applicable to this example then it rates antique good condition as refinished.

I sincerely doubt this example meets all the criteria I just mentioned. If it doesn't meet everything I just posted the price drops big time because fixing antique guns is not simple or cheap. That's one huge factor sellers refuse to consider. The cost to repair.

Murph

the peice was functional in sa, da, had a functioning ejector and latch, with tight barrel to frame lockup, however with the hammer locked back the cylinder had some wiggle side to side but nothing that would be of concern imo it was hardly noticeable.