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

SOLD FOR: $1,276.00

LSB#:  LSB251122RY002

Make:  Smith & Wesson

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

Serial Number: 23563

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 markings on the left side of the barrel have worn away.  The serial number “23563” is marked on butt grip frame.  The underside of the ejector is marked “4284”.  

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 is a small chip out of the top of the left grip and other chips around the right side screw socket. The grips rate in about Good condition as antique.

Type of Finish:  Nickel

Finish Originality:  Original/ refinished

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 mostly on the frame.  The trigger guard has been replaced with a modern blued version. The barrel is a possible replacement. The balance of the finish on the barrel and cylinder has turned to frosted nickel or mottled gray patina. There is heavy pitting on the barrel and cylinder. The screw heads are tool marked bu servicable. Overall, this handgun is in a Fair condition.

Mechanics: The action currently functions correctly but the timing is off. 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 solid top-break platform with automatic extraction. The 5″ barrel configuration provides balanced handling, and the half-moon front sight paired with the barrel-latch U-notch rear sight are characteristic features of the period.

This example retains approximately 30% of its original nickel finish, mostly on the frame. The balance of the finish on the barrel and cylinder has turned to frosted nickel or mottled gray patina, with heavy pitting visible on both the barrel and cylinder. The trigger guard has been replaced with a modern blued version, and the barrel is noted as a possible replacement. The barrel’s left-side markings have worn away, though the top rib address remains visible. The serial number “23563” is present on the butt, and the underside of the ejector is marked “4284.” The Mother of Pearl grips show a small chip at the top of the left panel and additional chipping around the right-side screw socket, rating in Good condition for an antique. Overall, this revolver presents in Fair condition.

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 offers visible period character and antique status, appealing to collectors interested in early Smith & Wesson top-break revolvers with honest age and service history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF