This was Smith and Wesson's first model for a large frame double action revolver.  Produced from 1881 to 1913, this is one of the earlier one's with the scarcer diamond checkered wooden grips and serial number in the 11,000 range.  Most of these had hard rubber grips or in late production, wooden grips with monograms. Its in Caliber .44 S&W Russian with a 4" barrel and blued finish. Numerous patent dates on the barrel listed from 1865 to 1880. 

Overall, it's in NRA Antique Fine condition with 35% original blue.  Balance of metal is a very pleasing light gray patina that's beginning to drift to a light brown patina.  No pitting, good edges and nice markings throughout.  A letter "G" is stamped on the bottomstrap by the serial number...Police dept? Trigger and hammer retain 50% good case colors in the sweet spots (profiles). All original including front sight blade which is pinned to the barrel rib. Grips are in Good+ condition...checkering is worn but all there and completely discernable with diamond pattern around the grip screw.  Best of all, there are no chips, cracks, or repairs present.  Mechanically, in spite of being 120 years old, it still works well in both single and double action modes. Barrel to Frame lockup is very tight with no hint of play or wiggle.  Automatic ejector works perfectly.  Bore is surprisingly nice....bright and shiny with sharp rifling....not perfect as there are tiny pinpricks...but overall, Fine+ to Excellent.  All in all, this is a good solid all original example of an early S&W 44 DA with no issues or problems. 

This model was known to have been carried by outlaws Belle Starr and John Wesley Hardin who was actually holding his nickel plated DA when he was killed at the ACME Saloon in El Paso, TX in 1895 (Flayderman's 8th Ed P. 203). 

Item# 0310

SOLD