Value of a Texas commemorative Smith and Wesson 544, 44-40 ?

[HPD2325]

I have an unfired, excellent condition, Texas commemorative Smith and Wesson 544, 44-40, 5" barrel, bright blue finish, adjustable sights, combat hammer and trigger. Made in 1986 . Smooth Goncalo grips. Right side of barrel marked 1836 Texas 1986, right side of frame has map of Texas with wagon and dates. Comes in a wooden display box.

Any idea as to the value? Background or number made? Thanks -Mike

 

[thomasinaz]

It was made to commemorate 150 years of Texas independence I believe. There was a wagon train during that time that kind of ran the circumference of the state, as part of the sesquicentennial celebration. The route is that squiggly line inside the Texas outline on the cover of the wooden box. These 544s were made as part of the whole Texas party that went on during 86. Also the 544 is the only modern 44-40 caliber revolver that S&W has produced. That's the background, I have no idea how many were made. As to value, probably worth more to a person who was involved in the sesquicentennial celebration or a loyal Texan, than to anyone else. Commemorative guns usually don't value as well as a normal gun of the same type, but since there are no other 44-40s to compare it to..... I'd like one of them, only because I'm a fan of the 44-40 caliber, and think it would be cool to own an N frame in that caliber. While my wife and I were living in Texas we drove by the wagon train near Dallas when it went through that area, didn't know then what it was for but found out later.

 

[505Gibbs]

According to the SCS&W there were 4782 produced.
Value, like most S&W's, depends on what part of the country you're in.
I'd say in the $800 range with all of the pieces that came with it.

 

[HPD2325]

Great info. Thanks guys. It's definitely a neat revolver in a interesting caliber configuration.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

There was a deluxe version also, with more extensive gold inlays and simulated ivory grips. Sources say 150 of those deluxe versions were made.

Either one, notes say the barrel was inscribed.....

Texas Wagon Train .44/40, 1836 * TEXAS * 1986​

 

[colt_saa]

Mike,
First . . . .Welcome to the Forum

7800 of the model 544 were ordered. However this was not a popular Commemorative. As stated only 4782 were embellished and completed. There are a few unembellished frames that were left over and assembled.

As already mentioned, you appear to have the standard edition that shipped with the Basswood case. This is Smith and Wesson product code 103195. Some of the examples had the roll-marks gold washed but most were left unfilled

The first 150 model 544 revolvers were Deluxe editions, product code 103196. These are all marked #??? of 150 on the right side of the firearm. These had engraving and gold wire line work along with hand scrimshawed, coke shaped, Elephant Ivory target stocks. The hammer, trigger, cylinder release and ejector rod are all gold plated. Pictured below is my Deluxe Model 544, chambered in 44-40, serial number 44

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4aDEEkLTYA[/ame]

The Sesquicentennial Commission also had a bronze Texas Longhorn produced for the Deluxe version of the model 544. These bronzes are signed and serial numbered to the revolvers.

There is also a large medallion that was produced.

All of this fits into a large presentation case with glass on 5 sides and lid that opens up. This huge case is mounted on a lazy susan so that it can be rotated and viewed from any angle.

I have often referred to the 150 Model 544 Texas Wagon Train Deluxe Commemoratives as one of Smith and Wesson's finest presentations of one of their worst selling Commemeratives.

There were two additional Deluxe 544s produced. They were serial numbered 1836 and 1986. These were in a single case that was manufactured outside of Smith and Wesson. You might notice that the serial numbers are the years of Texas Statehood and the year of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. I do not know the product code for this pair.

Many folks purchased 44 cylinders for their model 544s so that the could shoot 44 Special in the revolver. I even heard of some-folks shooting 44 Magnum in their model 544s

As to value, these are usually hard to sell because of the 44-40 chambering. Not all folks are as receptive as thomasinaz, or even know the story of the Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration. There are several recent auctions with a couple of revolvers selling for the low $700 area to one selling for as high as $950.

 

[Nightowl]

I have one in the condition you describe, except the right side of the barrel is engraved with the name of Mary Catherine Conrad in gold old English lettering, and with some gold squigglies on the bottom of the trigger guard.
I have heard, but cannot confirm, that they have barrels sized .429, rather than .427 generally used for the .44-40. The throats on my gun run around .426, but don't intend to shoot it to find out about accuracy. It is a real nice gun! I would like to have one to shoot.

In today's world, I would think a Smith in like new condition would be worth over $1000. I know I would not sell mine for less.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

That deluxe version is a real Texas BBQ gun!

When I was collecting N frames, the 44-40, a Model 20 and a Model of 1950 4" were eluding me. Never did get any of them.

 

[22hipower]

Found a used one without the box/etc. quite a few years ago. Bought it as a companion gun to my 1892 Winchester. However, it was not all that accurate (maybe the barrel dimension issue discussed above) and tended to "bind" as the cylinder turned on a couple of chambers. Probably an easy fix but along with not being able to make it shoot well I took it to a gun show. Bill Powell bought it back when he was buying everything S&W. I would think $800-$1000 would be about right for an as new in box package. I'd pay that for one anyway. . .but probably wouldn't shoot it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457