ID for old S&W top break 44

F

FLScout

Inactive
I have an old S&W top break that I believe is a Model 3, it's been in the family a long, long time. It's similar to the Russian 44 but other that the patent dates on the top of the barrel and the serial number (20xx) there are no other markings I can find. All of the parts including the wood grips have matching serial numbers. It has a 6 1/2 inch barrel. See attached photos.

Thanks in advance for any help identifying which model S&W this is.

resized S&W 2.jpg
 
Identification is complicated by the numerous foreign copies made of the Model 3. On initial examination, the "moderate" knuckle on the backstrap (i.e., the rounded bump just above the wood grips) and round butt would identify your gun as a New Model Number 3, produced between 1878 and 1912, in a serial number range from 1 to 35796. However, from the photo, it appears that the ejector rod housing under the barrel is a bit longer than it should be, which makes me a bit suspicious.

The Model 3s and their numerous fakes present a very difficult challenge for S&W collectors and I don't pretend to be any kind of expert. A genuine New Model Number 3 in excellent shape, as your appears to be, could be worth $10,000 or more, so if it were my gun I'd find a competent appraiser and have it evaluated. Or an easier option you may want to try first is to take a number of good photos, including particularly close-ups of all the markings, and post your question over on the Smith and Wesson Forum, where the real S&W pros hang out.
 
That guns is far from excellent shape.

It appears that it may have been nickel plated originally, and that's now mostly gone.

If not, and it was blued, the bluing has gone almost completely to brown patina.

Neither is indicative of a gun in excellent shape, unfortunately.

The grips also appear to be replacements, another knock on value.

From the longer ejector housing it appears to be an earlier New Model 3.

But, it could also be a foreign copy, although to my eye it really looks correct to be an S&W.

We'll need better pictures than what you've given, as well as any markings on the gun.
 
Last edited:
Hey Guys, I really appreciate your opinions. I will try and take some more photos in better lighting. The photo actually does make the gun look a little better than it is. The overall patina looks fair, but there is some pitting towards the end of the barrel. I does indeed look like there was a nickel finish at one time. The grips do appear to be original, I have had them off to see if I could find any other markings and both grips are marked inside with the same serial number as the frame, barrel and cylinder (20xx).

The top of the barrel is marked.

Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Pat'd Jan 17 & 24 65. July 11 65. Aug 24 69. Apr 20 75. Feb 20 & Dec 18 1877. Reissue July 25 1871.

Thanks!
 
OK, now that I've looked at your picture on a good computer monitor, vs. my phone, I agree that your grips are the original rosewood panels.

Overall, you appear to have a nice example of a typical S&W New Model No. 3. If the barrel is in good shape and it's ok mechanically there's probably no reason why you couldn't even shoot it with blackpowder cartridges.
 
Howdy

Didn't you post photos of the same gun on the S&W forum?

Most definitely a New Model #3. They were chambered for many cartridges, but the most common was the 44 Russian cartridge. I have one made in 1882 and I shoot 44 Russian Black Powder ammo in mine.
 
In those days the 44 Russian was considered the most accurate handgun cartridge .Formal handgun target shooting started in the 1880s . Remington made their target rolling block pistol in a number of cartridges ,the most popular being 22 rimfire and 44 Russian.:)
 
Thanks to all who posted with info. I did post on the S&W forum and also got some great info that confirms what most agree is an early New Model Number 3. I have sent for a factory letter to find out a little more such as original finish, caliber and where it was shipped/sold.

Thanks again!

Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top