Top-Break Information Needed

[RMoore92868]

Good Evening!
I am looking for information regarding what model S&W Top-Break Revolver I have. Here is a list of information. I will attempt to attach pics as well. Please be patient, new member here.
Thanks in advance!
Rory
1. Top-Break
2. Possibly was Nickel Plated
3. Visible Hammer
4. Serial Number XX on butt of gun, rear of cylinder and under latch (all matching)
5. .44 Special is 0.20” too long
6. Barrel length 5” (has been cut)
7. Cylinder is 1.41” long
8. Top-Break Fixed Sights
9. No Strain Screw Present, appears to have had one.
10. No Butt Swivel Present, appears to have had one.
11. (5) Visible Screws on Left Side

 

[merl67]

Are you saying it has a two digit serial number?

 

[iby]

3rd model Russian. 44 Russian caliber (new model Russian)

 

[RMoore92868]

Randy,
On the bottom of grip frame, cylinder and under latch are matching (2) digits. The right grip is (4) digit.
Rory

 

[merl67]

Forgot my manners welcome to the forum., is there anything else on the barrel?

 

[RMoore92868]

It is hard to read...but it reads Springfield Mass USA Pat July10 July17 Feb17 July11 Aug24 Russian Model ( then a small looking I). I believe the S&W was cut off when barrel was shortened. This is all written in a single line.

 

[merl67]

It looks like a Third Model Commercial Russian to me as well these were made from 1874-1879 they were chambered in 44 S&W Russian, and 44 Henry Rimfire a picture of the hammer nose, and slot or hole in the frame will tell this. The spur on the trigger guard has been removed. Is it functional ?

 

[RMoore92868]

The pistol is functional. The hammer cocks and locks in position. The trigger sets and the cylinder does rotate. Additionally, when opening the latch, the gun opens smoothly. As you open it, the extractor lifts out of cylinder. If you fully open it, the extractor is released and resets to original position. The cylinder doesn’t lock securely in place.

 

[merl67]

It is chambered in 44 Russian. Hopefully those with much more knowledge on these than I will reply.

 

[RMoore92868]

Randy,
Thank you for all your help so far, I certainly appreciate it!
Rory

 

[glowe]

Welcome. It has a shorter ejector shroud, so has to be a 3rd Model as stated above. It is a commercial model, not Russian contract gun and around 13,000 were made.

As for your comments, glad you followed the protocol, giving us lots of information to work with plus pictures! See notes below:

2. Possibly was Nickel Plated - Since it is a commercial gun, it is a remote possibility, but likely it was plated post-factory as well.

4. Serial Number XX on butt of gun, rear of cylinder and under latch - That would put it at 1874 manufacture year for sure.

5. .44 Special is 0.20” too long - No, 44 Russian caliber

6. Barrel length 5” (has been cut) - There is a chance that it was ordered with a short barrel, but a long-shot.

9. No Strain Screw Present - That needs a picture. All S&W Model 3 revolvers had a mainspring strain screw??

10. No Butt Swivel Present, appears to have had one - Need another picture. It was a standard feature on all commercial and Russian contract guns alike.

 

[RMoore92868]

Gary,
Thank you for the info. I am certain the barrel has been cut due to the S&W missing along with what appears to be cut marks. Let me send you some pics of strain screw area.
Kind a Regards,
Rory

 

[RMoore92868]

Strain Screw pics Attached.

 

[RMoore92868]

Butt Swivel Pics Attachef

 

[RMoore92868]

Barrel Pics Attached. Hard to see but the first word after the front sight is Springfield. Also, the end of barrel appears to have cut marks. See pics

 

[RMoore92868]

Gary,
Thank you for the info. I am certain the barrel has been cut due to the S&W missing along with what appears to be cut marks. Let me send you some pics of strain screw area.
Kind a Regards,
Rory

 

[glowe]

Thanks for the images. Could not tell originally, since you only showed the rear of the patent address. We can always wish that a rare 5" gun was what you had. The cut-off address and the obvious hack-sawed muzzle seals the deal. I did not realize the corrosion was so severe. If you look close, not only can you see the screw, but I think there is a slot visible as well, filled with rust. I have had a couple commercial 3rd Models and both had the swivel and yours most likely had one when it left the factory. Images below.

I forgot to mention one other feature that your revolver is lacking and that is the appendage on the bottom of the trigger guard. Its use and function is an often debated issue, but as far as I know, all 44 Russian revolvers left the factory with that feature.

 

[RMoore92868]

Thank you for that information!
Being it is a double digit serial, but in rough shape, what is the approx. value. It functions mechanically, but the cylinder stop doesn’t always work.
Thanks again for the information!
Kind Regards,
Rory

 

[glowe]

That is a tough question, since the demand will be low for the condition your revolver shows. Hardly any finish, lots of pitting, not properly functioning, missing lanyard ring, rough stocks, cut barrel, and removed finger rest on the trigger guard totally eliminates all collector value. It is kind of a placeholder for someone who needs a piece to complete their assembly of Model 3s, or maybe someone who wants to put it in a shadow box for display.

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson book shows a value of $600 for a Poor condition Russian, but I am afraid yours would likely sell for quite a bit less.

 

[RMoore92868]

I certainly appreciate your time and effort.
It’s great to learn all this.
Kind Regards,
Rory