Smith & Wesson S&W .44-40 WCF Frontier Revolver Double Action, Auto Extracting Revolver – Antique

SOLD FOR: $ 3,136
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Double Action Frontier
Serial Number: 9143
Year of Manufacture: 1886 – 1913 (All Frames Produced Prior To 1899)
Caliber: .44-40 (.44 WCF)
Action Type: Single and Double Action Top-Break Revolver with Auto-Extraction
Markings: The barrel’s top rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D JAN. 17 & 24. 65 / JULY 11. 65. AUG. 24. 69. JULY 25. 71. DEC. 2. 79. MAY 11 & 25. 1880”. The barrel extension, barrel latch, rear cylinder face and underside of the grip frame are all marked “9143”. The right side of the grip frame has a “5” by the grip pin and the right side of the frame has a small S&W logo.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half round blade pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a tiny “V” notch on the top of the latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with an S&W logo at the top. The left grip panel is marked “PAT’D. JAN. 29. 78.” At the bottom and the right grip panel has “9143” hand scribed on the inside. Both panels show handling light marks, but have no notable chips, cracks or scratches. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is surprisingly bright and the rifling is near sharp. There is some scattered light pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The most notable marks are lines at the cylinder’s bolt stop cuts, an abrasion that feels rough to the touch at the muzzle and a light scratch on the right side of the frame that extends from the S&W logo to the trigger pivot pin. There is scattered surface erosion throughout the frame, but heavier on the cylinder and there is thinning on the trigger guard. The screw heads are sharp. The hammer and trigger are still very nicely case colored. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine to Excellent condition for an antique. Please see the photos to appreciate the condition in which this revolver remains.
Mechanics: The single and double actions function correctly, as does the extractor star. Both the barrel hinge and latch are solid and tight. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This .44 Double Action Frontier is in exceptionally nice condition, perhaps the best of any that have come through our shop. Mechanically this revolver is close to the way it left Springfield more than a century ago. Cosmetically it is so good we passed it around the shop to make sure nobody thought it had been refinished. The grips still legibly retain the patent date, often the first thing to wear off. If you are looking to add one to your collection, this may well be the best one you’ll see all year.