Triplelock Value

[DARE]

Looking at a .44 spl triplelock. Nickel, 6 1/2", MOP not S&W grips.
There has been a re-sculpting of the front sight. SN 14xxx. Do not know if original finish. Is there something on the gun that would tell if it was originally nickel?
Would appreciate an estimate of the value. Maybe an original finish value and a refinish value. Says 95% remaining finish. Thanks for your help.

 

[Muley Gil]

Look at the serial number under the barrel. If there is a "B" prefix, it shipped with a blue finish.

Of course, it could have shipped with a nickel finish and then re-nickeled. Look for "tells" such as a gap between the side plate (there shouldn't be a gap) and the frame, a nickel ejector star (original finish was blue, on both blue AND nickel revolvers), faint markings, nickel hammer and trigger (should be color case hardened), dished screw holes.

If the front sight hasn't been buggered too badly, with non-factory grips and the finish is original, I'd put the value around 2K and up.

Refinish, 1K and up.

 

[Hondo44]

Muley Gil covered it very well.

If it does not have a B on the barrel and right side of grip frame it originally shipped with a nickel plate finish. Sometimes we see an N replacing the B for nickel guns. The above trends are for prewar guns; after WWII this changed.

Also look for a factory service date, a star following the butt serial #, and a diamond on the left side grip frame and under the barrel near the frame for diamonds. This would indicate factory rework including a factory refinish.

Value: The modified front sight and lack of original stocks are big downsides.
Nickel seems to have less market demand than blue guns.

For original nickel finish of 95% in the $2000-3000 plus ballpark.

Factory refinish 75% of the above.

After market refinish $800 and up depending on quality.

 

[Kansasgunner]

My three prewar N frames that lettered as nickel all had a capital N on the toe of the grip frame on the right side. I’m sorry but can’t find the photos right now.
This “N” was on a Triple Lock, a 38/44 Heavy Duty and a 44 3rd Model. Not a large sampling, but all I have.

 

[bruce5781]

This one is much less than 95%, but it is original. I gave 850 a year ago.

Regards,
Bruce