Smith & Wesson .44 Russian DA/SA 1st Model Revolver Non-functional Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
LSB#: LSB251122RY014
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Russian Double Action, 1st Model
Serial Number: 6244
Year of Manufacture: 1881-1899 / Antique
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Double Action / Single action, top break revolver
Barrel Length: 6″
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 hard rubber checkered grips with S&W medallions at the top. The checkering is worn and the grips show their age. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: White, all finish has been removed.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is sharp. There is erosion throughout the bore with pitting near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: THIS REVOLVER IS NON-FUNCTIONING! The hammer is currently stuck in cocked position. The cylinder rotates and the ejector functions. We would recommend a full evaluation by a competent gunsmith before firing! This handgun retains none of its metal finish. There is pitting throughout the barrel, frame, backstrap and trigger guard. Overall, this handgun is in a Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action does not presently function. 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 Russian Double Action 1st Model is an important and increasingly scarce example of late 19th-century American revolver production. Chambered in .44 Russian and built on Smith & Wesson’s distinctive top-break frame, this model reflects the company’s early work in double-action revolver development during the black powder era. Although Smith & Wesson continued to catalog the model into the 20th century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, qualifying this revolver as an antique under federal guidelines. This particular example bears an early four-digit serial number, adding to its historical appeal and collectability.
This revolver retains none of its original finish, now presenting in the white with visible pitting throughout the barrel, frame, backstrap, and trigger guard. The two-piece hard rubber checkered grips with S&W medallions show honest wear and age, with worn checkering but no chips or cracks. The bore is dull with sharp rifling, exhibiting erosion throughout and pitting near the muzzle; in this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10. Overall, the revolver presents in Poor condition consistent with its age and long service life.
THIS REVOLVER IS NON-FUNCTIONING. The hammer is currently stuck in the cocked position. While the cylinder rotates and the ejector functions, the action does not presently operate as intended. We strongly recommend a full evaluation by a competent gunsmith prior to any attempt at restoration or firing. We did not fire this handgun. As with all antique and previously owned firearms, a thorough inspection and cleaning will be necessary to meet maintenance standards. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
