SW .44 8" First model American/Russian/Transitional ?? ID please/value??

[Wyattco]

I picked this firearm up on trade. Seems to be in good working condition. .44 8" barrel 1.426 cylinder length. Grip SN matches butt. Not sure what other marks to look for????Pictures below. Any help/information would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

James
[email protected]

 

[feralmerril]

Probley dates about 1873. I have # 4730. Mine is cut down, and found in a old barn in montanna.

 

[deadin]

James,
Your gun looks like a 2nd Model American as it has the larger trigger pin.(indicated by the "bump out" on the bottom of the frame.) If it were a Russian it would be marked as such on the top of the barrel.
By any chance is it a rim-fire? If so it's quite scarce.

Ferrill, your "barn-gun" (I still would love to know its history) is a 1st Model. (small trigger pin).

 

[Wyattco]

I have been searching the internet looking for information. Today I am mailing out to SW for more information on this firearm history and details.

From what I have seen on sites below makes me think this is a "Transitional model" The notch in the hammer for the latch/the length of the cylinder/the area around the bottom of the hinge is smooth and is not protruding.

Below are some links I have found. I really appreciate any and all help. Thank you.


S-and-W American

Smith & Wesson Model Three top-break revolvers for sale

Smith & Wesson

S&W 2nd Model American, 8 inch, 44 cal., - Antique Handguns - Cartridge

American

Collectors Firearms



Additional pictures.

 

[twaits]

Nice piece. Congratulations on your aquisition!

 

[opoefc]

Wyattco, Your gun is a 2nd model Americam, in .44S&W caliber, not .44 Russian. The small numbers in the cylinder & latch are assembly numbers and the same number should be on the back of the barrel , between the ears around the latch and on the left side of the grip frame and sometimes also on the back of the sideplate. They are small numbers and hard to see, but should be there. If not parts have been replaced, as all the assembly numbers should match. Get a copy of Charlie Pate's excellent book " Smith & Wesson American Model" and it will tell you all you ever wanted to know about your gun.

 

[Wyattco]

Wyattco, Your gun is a 2nd model Americam, in .44S&W caliber, not .44 Russian. The small numbers in the cylinder & latch are assembly numbers and the same number should be on the back of the barrel , between the ears around the latch and on the left side of the grip frame and sometimes also on the back of the sideplate. They are small numbers and hard to see, but should be there. If not parts have been replaced, as all the assembly numbers should match. Get a copy of Charlie Pate's excellent book " Smith & Wesson American Model" and it will tell you all you ever wanted to know about your gun.

Thank you for all your help. I will track that book down. I found the other numbers you speak of and they are hard to see and they do all match which is good news. I mailed my letter/money off to SW for a history lesson on this firearm. I believe this firearm would be best served in someones collection that could give it the attention and love it deserves. Do you or anyone reading have a suggestion on the best way to offer this firearm for sale?

Thanks again for any and all help given.

James

 

[opoefc]

James, Post here in the classified "For sale" catagory, would be my 1st choice, 2nd choice is bring it to the next S&WCA meeting and put it on your sale table with a price tag, 3rd choice is to do the same at the nest Tulsa Gun show in Nov. 2009. Last cloice is to consign it to an auction, but put a reasonable reserve on it.

 

[twaits]

Please post the letter when it arrives. Thanks!