Need help in Identifying 3 antique pistols.

[mtallman]

Hi Guys,

A family friend is taking care of an estate, and needs help identifying 3 antique pistols. Any information would be greatly appreciated, including an estimate of value.

The first is an old Smith and Wesson. It appears to be 44 or 45 caliber. Patent is “July 10.60 Jan 17 Feb 17 July 11.65 & Aug 24.69” (on top of barrel). On the bottom of the grip there are the numbers “8290” (serial number?).
The second is a little single shot percussion pistol.
The last is a muzzle loading percussion pistol. It appears to have a faded crown, 85 to the right of it, and a word with TW being the first, and only recognizable letters, on the lock to the right of the hammer.

Thanks!

 

[RobSmith]

The 1st appears to be one of those "44 Russian" revolvers. Sort of the "holy grail" on antique pistols right now from what I hear.

Can't help you with the others.

 

[H Wally]

#1) S&W Model #3 American, precursor to the #3 russian, new model, DA etc. The serial, markings on the top of the barrel and possibly on the side of the barrel should give more info, if not rubbed/worn off.

#2) is some sort of boot/muff pistol. Pictures of the markings under the barrel (or anywhere else) would give more idea of where it was made.

#3) Nooooo idea. Can't tell what the markings are on the lock plate, and there may be proof marks on the top, sides or bottom of the barrel. I wouldn't know what they meant if I saw them, but other board members would.

 

[mooncoon]

the third one I think is generally known as a coat pistol and is sort of the generic muzzle loading pistol of the 1840s through 60s. If it is British, it should have a crown over crossed scepters for a proof mark

cheers mooncoon

 

[apu]

I can add a little more info regarding the first revolver , based on serial # as Wally mentioned it's an early(just post transition model) S&W 44 American model no. 3 second model, these came in both 44 American centerfire caliber and 44 Henry rimfire.

In center fire, the 44 american was rather anemic large bore round that featured external lubricated healed 205 grain lead bullet at 680 ft/sec.

By the limited picture view it looks pretty good and value would likely be around $2500-$2700 assuming 70-80% original finish,add $500 if it's in rimfire.

Keep in mind these are collector prices you are more likely to appreciate in the US(especially for the rimfire), as here in Canada more folks seem to buy antiques as shooters and you would have a harder time in general getting a buyer to pay the premium on a handgun that uses virtually impossible to find rimfire ammo.

 

[Claven2]

The last pistol has an East India Company lock from 1785 that used to be a flintlock. I'd say it's either a coat pistol built around an EIC lock that underwent upgrade to percussion while hte pistol was still in service, or it's a more recent Indian modification to a regulation EIC horse pistol.

 

[apu]

I forgot to add the 2nd handgun looks to be a fairly unremarkable muff pistol probably with a value in the $200-300 range, maybe less with the broken grip panel.