Period Engraved Smith & Wesson 6” .44 Russian DA 1st Model Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,225
WOA#: WY240223CX001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Russian Double Action First Model
Serial Number: 7099
Year of Manufacture: 1882 (2nd year of production)
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Double Action, Top Break, break action revolver with auto-eject.
Markings: This revolver has the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame and on the rear face of the cylinder.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: This revolver has a half-moon front blade sight with a fixed-notch rear sight set in the break lever.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This revolver has two piece pearl grips. The right panel is missing a chunk from the bottom. These grips have minor scratching. The grips rate in about Good condition for an Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel/Gold Wash, Sparse Scroll Engraving.
Finish Originality: Period Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn down. There is heavy erosion and fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 1/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its original metal finish. This pistol was period refinished with a “gold wash” and some sparse scroll engraving, the latter of which is almost solely on the frame. Much of the gold wash has worn off and tarnished. The nickel is tarnished especially where it has been handled. The barrel has several nicks along its length. The action is rough and the cylinder lockup is poor. Overall, this handgun rates in about Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has an extractor that operates when the action is 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: This revolver comes with a Smith & Wesson Factory Letter with details about its gold wash, engraving, and likely travels through South America. (See Assessment).
Our Assessment: From the Factory Letter: “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. Serial numbers were from 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 1/2, 4, 5, 6, and 6 1/2 inches. The stocks were checkered hard rubber or plain walnut. After 1900, walnut stocks were supplied with gold Smith & Wesson medallions. Both service and target sights were available. We have researched your Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model, caliber .44 S&W Russian in company records. Your handgun, with butt serial number 7099 was shipped from our Stockbridge Street factory on October 18, 1882. It was delivered to the M W Robinson, 79 Chambers St. New York City, our largest distributor at the time. It shipped with a nickel finish, 6″ barrel with a half-moon front sight pinned in the barrel rib, fixed rear sights and black hard rubber round butt stocks with the Smith & Wesson logo in the stock circles. It was part of a large order marked “Export”. The gold wash, pearl stocks and engraving are typical of revolvers shipped to the South American market, most likely, Mexico. These embellishments were most likely done in New York by Robinson to fill an order for a customer. This does not distract from the collectability of this revolver.”
We agree it does not detract from the collectability of this revolver, in fact in our opinion it enhances it. Cattle rustling was still alive and well on the Arizona/Mexico border in 1882, and reprisals on both sides were frequent. Men needed to be armed for defense of himself and his property in that last vestige of the lawless frontier, and this big bore Smith & Wesson would certainly have fit the bill. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S. & K.F.
