Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action 1st Model .44 S&W 5″ Revolver Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,401.00

LSB#:  LSB251122RY001

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:   .44 S&W Single Action /Double Action, 1st Model

Serial Number: 45985

Year of Manufacture: 1881-1899 / Antique

Caliber:  .44 S&W (Russian)

Action Type:  Double Action/Single action, top break revolver

Markings:  The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS, U.S.A.”  The left side of the barrel is marked “*.44 S&W CTG *.  The serial number “45985” is marked on butt grip frame.  This marking appears to be restamped. 

Barrel Length:  5″ 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade integrated to the top rib.  The rear sight is a U notch built into the barrel latch. 

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are a two-piece Mother of Pearl grips. There are a couple chips at the top of the left grip.  There are a few cracks on the right grip. The grips rate in about Good condition as antique.

Type of Finish:  Nickel

Finish Originality:  Original/ polished

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is mild erosion throughout the bore.  In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition:  This revolver has approximately 30% of its original nickel finish remaining in protected areas.  The balance of the finish has turned to frosted nickel of mottled gray. There are polishing marks on the grip frame. There is pitting on the frame, barrel and cylinder. Overall, this handgun is in a Fair condition.

Mechanics: The action currently functions correctly. 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: The Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action 1st Model is a classic late 19th-century top-break revolver chambered in .44 S&W Russian. Manufactured between 1881 and 1899, all examples qualify as antiques under federal guidelines. This early double-action design reflects Smith & Wesson’s innovation during the black powder era, offering both single- and double-action capability in a robust top-break platform. The 5″ barrel provides balanced handling, while the half-moon front sight and barrel-latch U-notch rear sight are characteristic features of the period.

This revolver retains approximately 30% of its original nickel finish in protected areas, with the balance turned to a frosted, mottled gray patina. There are visible polishing marks on the grip frame and pitting on the frame, barrel, and cylinder consistent with age and prior refinishing or cleaning. The barrel markings remain legible, and the serial number “45985” is marked on the butt; this marking appears to have been restamped. The Mother of Pearl grips add period character but show condition issues, including chips at the top of the left panel and several cracks on the right panel. Overall, the revolver rates in Fair condition for an antique example of this age.

The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and mild erosion throughout, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action currently functions correctly, though we did not fire the handgun. As with all antique and previously owned firearms, a thorough inspection and cleaning may be necessary to meet maintenance standards. This revolver represents an authentic piece of Smith & Wesson’s early double-action history with antique status and visible period character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF