So, its a 44-40 Frontier....Value Opinions Please

[MikeyL]

I'm going to try to beat Mike Priwer to the punch on this one (Sorry, Mike!

)...and say value is based upon "Condition, Condition, Condition!" The fact there is a star on the gun indicates to me at least that it went back to the factory at some time in its life for either repairs or refinishing; that hurts value a bit in my opinion. That being said, one of our local pawnshops has one that is not nearly as nice as yours, in 44-40, and is asking $900. It hasn't sold yet, either! I would think that the value on the S&W is in the $700-900 range; the 1851 Navy replica, about $125.00. Just my humble opinion, tho; anyone else?

MikeyL
SWCA #2010

 

[Rikkn]

Just reading on page 100 of the Jinks History of S$W, 10th edition, picture labeled as the Frontier has a standard style trigger guard, mine does not ( see pic )..... Whats up with that ??

 

[deadin]

That is the "standard style" for that model.

 

[cgt4570]

Originally posted by Rikkn:
Just reading on page 100 of the Jinks History of S$W, 10th edition, picture labeled as the Frontier has a standard style trigger guard, mine does not ( see pic )..... Whats up with that ??

I think you are confusing the single action 'New Model #3' pics with the double action 'DA 44' in the book. All the DA's have the unique trigger guard shape. Also, the barrel rib roll markings and patent dates are different for SA versus DA. As you'll notice, the cylinder notches are quite different too.

With this being said, the barrels are phisically interchangeable between the NM #3 and the DA 44, as long as they have the same cylinder window length. (1 7/16 or 1 9/16) ...Although the wrong model's barrel will be stamped differently on the rib.

Both my NM#3 and DA 44 have the short cylinder and both are chambered for Russian. The DA (like yours) shipped to London in 1897 and wears British proof stamps. The NM is circa 1882 and I haven't lettered it yet.

Chris

 

[deadin]

Rikkn,
Sorry about the confusion I may have caused. I should have said that your gun has the standard trigger guard. AFAIK there was no other type on the 44 DA's.
Also, as Chris said, there also is a .44 SA NM#3 that is called a "Frontier" because it is chambered in 44/40.
As to the single/line/double line barrel markings, I have a .44 DA Frontier (Ser # 11808) that letters as shipped in December 1900 with double line markings. Yours has a much lower number but also has a star which indicates a return to the factory. Possibly a barrel replacement? You didn't mention what the barrel number was. It's stamped under the latch on the back of the top strap extension. See pictures: