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Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Double Action 1st Model
Serial Number: 7404
Year of Manufacture: 1881-1913. Although cataloged into the twentieth century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this gun an Antique.
Caliber: .44 Russian
Action Type: Double Action/Single Action Revolver
Barrel Length: 6" Ribbed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned round blade fixed to the rib at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the raised portion of the barrel catch.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with “S&W” monograms at their tops. The grips have very minor handling wear. There is little evidence of use. The checkering is well defined. The grips are inscribed with the serial number inside to match the revolver. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent faint erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation, mostly on the barrel and cylinder. There is finish loss on the cylinder and near the muzzle. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is a turnline. The action shows operational wear. The grip screw is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The name Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with finely crafted American made firearms since 1852. In 1881, Smith & Wesson introduced the .44 Double Action First Model, the last of their big top break revolvers. Chambered in .44, it was a big bore “gunfighter’s gun”. In fact, the famed Texas gunfighter and notorious “badman” John Wesley Hardin was carrying an S&W .44 Double Action when he met his end in the Acme Saloon in El Paso in 1895.
This Antique Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action 1st Model Revolver was made from ca. 1881-1913 (although cataloged into the twentieth century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this gun an Antique) and is in Fine Condition. It features a 6” barrel, 85% of its original blued finish, serial-matching, elegant two-piece checkered black hard rubber grips with “S&W” monograms at their tops, good mechanics, and a mostly bright bore with sharp rifling and infrequent faint erosion. Lastly, this revolver comes from the personal collection of inventor, founder, and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman, and should be of additional interest to collectors for that ownership lineage. A signed Certificate Of Authenticity from the Seiderman family will be included with this piece. This is a “must have” for any Smith & Wesson or Old West collector.