2301

VERY RARE S&W 44 DA WESSON FAVORITE REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
VERY RARE S&W 44 DA WESSON FAVORITE REVOLVER.

Cal. 44 Russian. S# 9630. Bbl. 5" having matching number to include latch; pinned bead blade sight plus notch rear in bbl. latch. Mfg. 1882-1883 as designed for Russia; order fell through so sales initiated in 1888 literature. Most were sold overseas so this is especially rare in the US. Main features are singular 5" thinner bbl. offering & various lightening cuts to reduce weight & improve balance. Only 1,000 produced from S# 8900-10100; mostly with nickel finish. Bbl. rib grooved along w/ both sides of frame under cyl.; bbl. patent dates moved to spaces between flutes of reverse rebated (also to reduce weight) matching numbered cyl. having double cocking notches. References state this model has internal lightning cuts as well; appears inside of frontstrap reduced plus thin backstrap. Because it has lanyard ring where S# would normally be located, S# is on lower left front side of frame under grip as w/ other observed lanyard loop Favorites. Most any grip material offered, but most examples seem to be pearl like this revolver; plain w/ out medallions. As this revolver was very desirable & innovative for its time, many were sold to prominent foreign figures much like the special Colt Gen. Patton carried. CONDITION: good general appearance w/ minimal nickel finish remaining; grey / brown patina tone w/ minimal light pitting. Proper very smooth action functioning w/ tight lock up. Noticeable slot damage to mainspring strain screw, & slight damage to sideplate screw. Mainspring appears to be late factory replacement. Fair to good bore w/ wear & scattered pitting. (01-22117/NW). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.