Antique Smith & Wesson First Model Russian .44 S&W Russian 8″ SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB260323CL048
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: First Model Russian
Serial Number: 9215
Year of Manufacture: 1871-1874 / Antique
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Action Type: Single action, top break revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY. 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY. 11. 65 & AUG. 24. 69. RUSSIAN MODEL”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “9215”. The left interior grip strap, rear face of the cylinder, barrel latch, and the barrel under the latch are marked with “A” and “469”. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “9215”.
Barrel Length: 8″, Full rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round sight blade pinned to the barrel rib . The rear sight is a U-notch built into the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut, with brass escutcheons. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There is minor verdigris in the escutcheons. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling in the grooves. There is erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its original finish. There is a patina throughout. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There is some original finish in the protected areas. There is corrosion staining and freckling throughout. The screw heads are sharp with minor tooling. The markings are legible. Overall, this handgun is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with little to no play at each chamber. 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 First Model Russian grew directly from the Imperial Russian government’s interest in Smith & Wesson’s large-frame No. 3 revolver and became one of the most influential handguns of the early cartridge era. Russia’s requested modifications to the original No. 3 American included changes to the revolver and ammunition that resulted in the .44 S&W Russian cartridge, which used an internally lubricated bullet and became the ancestor of the later .44 Special and .44 Magnum. First Model Russians retained the early No. 3 profile with an 8″ barrel and were produced between 1871 and 1874 in both Russian military-contract and commercial configurations. This serial number 9215 example is particularly interesting as a commercial First Model Russian, distinguished by its English-language “RUSSIAN MODEL” barrel marking rather than the Cyrillic address and Imperial Russian acceptance markings found on military-contract revolvers.
This revolver retains approximately 10% of its original blue finish, with the balance displaying an even age patina accompanied by scattered scratches, compression marks, corrosion staining, and oxidation freckling. The smooth walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with no chips or cracks, and the matching serial number inside the right panel is a desirable originality feature. The bright 6/10 bore retains sharp rifling despite erosion throughout and light fouling. Mechanically, the revolver remains especially strong for its age, with correct action function and tight lockup showing little to no play at each chamber. Its matching serial-numbered grip, original 8″ barrel, commercial “RUSSIAN MODEL” marking, and mechanically sound condition make this an appealing example of an important early Smith & Wesson top-break revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY