Antique Smith & Wesson 5” .44 Russian DA New Model Navy No. 3 Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB#: LSB260125DW033
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Double Action First Model / New Model Navy No. 3 Revolver
Serial Number: 331
Year of Manufacture: ca 1881
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Break action revolver.
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.” and a series of patents, all before 1891.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: This revolver has a half-moon front blade sight with a notch rear sight set in the break lever.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This revolver has two piece red rubber checkered grips with S&W logos inscribed. These grips have minor scratching, mostly on the butt. The grips rate a Fine condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is minimal pitting in the lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its original metal finish. Most of the gun exhibits handling wear in the form of tiny scratches. There are small spots of corrosion near the trigger guard on each side of the frame. The action is smooth and the cylinder lockup is good. Overall, this handgun rates a Fine condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has an extractor that works correctly when opened. 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 .44 Double Action First Model was introduced in 1881 and sold until 1913. A total of 54,668 revolvers were produced. All frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this model an antique.
The .44 Double Action First Model was designed to fire the .44 S&W Russian cartridge — a cartridge made popular for its accuracy. Serial numbers were for number 1 to 54668. It was manufactured in either blue or nickel finish, however a special finish could be ordered at an additional cost. It was available in barrel lengths of 3 ½, 4, 5, 6, and 6 ½ inches.
This particular .44 First Model is serial numbered 331, meaning it was manufactured very early in the production run. Thus, its date of manufacture is estimated 1881.
Serial number 352 was attributed to famous outlaw John Wesley Hardin (4th Catalogue of Smith & Wesson) and was in his holster when he died (The Lessons Of John Wesley Hardin Massad Ayoob)
With a rich history and multiple different models, collecting these revolvers has been growing in popularity ;this would make a great addition in any arms collection. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos.
-C.B.