Smith & Wesson S&W 1st Model 44 Russian 4? Revolver Antique 1889 w/ Letter
SOLD FOR: $1425
WOA#: WY230507MQ001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Double Action 1st Model
Serial Number: 21669
Year of Manufacture: Shipped July 29, 1889 (S&W Historical Foundation Letter) (The revolvers made in the serial number range 1-54668 were assembled between 1881 and 1913. However, all of the frames were built prior to 1899, making all of the revolvers Antique. – “Standard Catalog of S&W” by Nahas)
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Top Break Barrel, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A.PAT’D JAN 17 & 24.65 / JULY 11 65 AUG 24 69 JULY 25 71 DEC.2.79 MAY 11 & 25 1880”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “21669”. The grips are marked with the Smith & Wesson Crest molded at the top.The butt strap is marked “21669”.
Barrel Length: 4” with full length top rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a “U” notch fixed to the front of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber grips with S&W logos at the top. There are no chips or cracks. There are two very shallow compression marks on the right side and two small scratches on the left grip. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition for being antique.
Type of Finish: The revolver is nickel plated with a case colored hammer, trigger and barrel latch and a blued trigger guard.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 55% of its metal finish. There are scattered spots of oxidation and frost. There are some little nicks and a few small hairline scratches. There is some thinning and finish loss on some of the edges. The turn line is crisp. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this antique revolver rates in about Fine Condition. The cylinder has solid lock up on all 6 cylinders with little play. The ejector functions as intended. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. This revolver is exceptionally mechanically sound.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This S&W 1st Model Revolver comes with an original letter from the S&W Historical Foundation as well as a copy of the letter and a brown leather holster. The holster is open at the top and has a single belt loop riveted to the back of the holster. The holster shows surface loss at the muzzle, in the belt loop and around the top edges. There are a few small cracks in the edges of the holster at the muzzle and in the top edge. Please see our pictures for a better idea of what this really looks like. The holster is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The letter provided by the S&W Historical Foundation provides all the information on record about this particular revolver including introduction date of 1881 and sold until 1913 with a total production of 54,668 revolvers. It was designed to shoot the .44 S&W Russian Cartridge which is no longer commercially available. It was manufactured both in Blue and Nickel, having a barrel length of 3 ½, 4, 5, 6, and 6 ½ inches. The letter also provides detailed research on this serialized revolver stating that company records with serial number 21669 show that this revolver was shipped on July 29, 1889 and delivered to Simmons Hardware Co. St. Louis, Mo. It was shipped with a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and checkered black hard rubber grips. This unit was shipped along with 20 other units in the same configuration and they were billed in 1889 as a wholesale price of $14.00 (about $462.80 in today’s market). If you are a collector of Smith & Wesson or early American Revolvers this revolver is the jackpot with its strong mechanics and surprisingly strong and clean bore. Please see photos and good luck!