Smith & Wesson S&W .44 Double Action First Model 5? DA/SA Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1525.99
LSB#: 220316CA329
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Double Action First Model
Serial Number: 1921
Year of Manufacture: 1881-1913, All frames made prior to 1899.
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Top Break, Double Action / Single Action, 6-Shot Revolver
Markings: The top of the rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D JAN 17 & 24 .65 / JUL.11.65, AUG. 24.69 JULY 25.71 DEC.2.79 MAY 11&25 1880”. The butt of the grip frame, barrel latch, rear of the cylinder, and rear of the top strap are marked with the serial number. The interior of the right grip panel is hand inscribed with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade pinned to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a U-notch in a rise in the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with smooth borders and S&W logos at the tops. There is a large chip loss on the panel on the rear. There is a crack on the right panel on the interior and another on the bottom. There are some scattered little nicks, scuffs, and handling marks. The checkering and details are mostly strong with light rub wear. The grips have a brownish hue. Overall, the grips rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is mostly sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is pitting scattered throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. The finish mostly remains in recessed and protected areas. There are areas that have drifted to patina. There are areas of erosion, minor scabbing, scratches, oxidation, nicks, and scratches. There are areas of finish loss. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very minor side to side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a historically important Smith and Wesson, the first model of the .44 Double Action revolver, and the last of the big top breaks. Please see pages 108 and 109 of “The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 3rd Edition”, by Supica and Nahas for more details. John Wesley Hardin used one, and one was shipped to General Leonard Wood. This is a “must” for the Smith and Wesson or American Frontier collector. This example is in about Good condition with a patina and surprisingly good lockup. Please see our photos and good luck!