Old Smith and Wesson double action.

V

vikingo

New member
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
I'm looking at a Smith and Wesson first model double action. The seller swears it's an antique, but something doesn't seem right... the serial number on it is 33416. My research tells me that these were manufactured between 1881 and 1913, and
that 55000 of them were made. If l assume they made the same number of guns every year this one would have been made after 1900. So not antique. I can find nothing for serial numbers on this model, only dead ends.
Can anyone help? I don't want to wind up with a prohib by accident. Thanks
 
Well here's a lettered revolver showing that 36,000 serial number range was shipped in 1897, if you can convince the techs that the 1st model DA's were shipped sequentially you could get away with it.
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...o-w-c-scott-sons-england.cfm?gun_id=101253889

If not you could always ask if this other guy will sell internationally to you

freemanriveradventures said:
As all frames were made prior to 1899 almost all are antique. A small number somewhere after the 42000 serial number range are restricted due to being made in 1898. The firearms techs at the CFP should have the exact serial number cut off.
Click to expand...
Do you know if that information is on the FRT or do the techs have some other information library they refer to?
 
vikingo said:
I'm looking at a Smith and Wesson first model double action. The seller swears it's an antique, but something doesn't seem right... the serial number on it is 33416. My research tells me that these were manufactured between 1881 and 1913, and
that 55000 of them were made. If l assume they made the same number of guns every year this one would have been made after 1900. So not antique. I can find nothing for serial numbers on this model, only dead ends.
Can anyone help? I don't want to wind up with a prohib by accident. Thanks
Click to expand...

First of all, at worst they would classify it as restricted unless the barrel is shorter than 4 inches - which would be extremely rare for a .44 DA. Secondly, I have had some with serial numbers much higher than yours, and they have been classified as antique. There is no "cut-off" serial number (I asked) but if you stay below 40,000 you would be safe. lastly, make sure it's a .44 Russian and not a .44-40, or something which has been converted to another caliber. It was not unheard of that some owners would ream out the cylinder in order to be able to use a different cartridge. They also made this model in .32 and .38 S&W which again, would make them restricted. If it's a .44 Russian with serial number in the 36### range, you are safe.
 
appleorangefish said:
Well here's a lettered revolver showing that 36,000 serial number range was shipped in 1897, if you can convince the techs that the 1st model DA's were shipped sequentially you could get away with it.
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...o-w-c-scott-sons-england.cfm?gun_id=101253889

If not you could always ask if this other guy will sell internationally to you


Do you know if that information is on the FRT or do the techs have some other information library they refer to?
Click to expand...

They do not have a reference. I asked. It's really up to the technicians to make the call. So far, the highest number I have seen approved as antique is in the 45### range.
 
I personally have a letter for mine in the 51000 range and attached is the letter for one I owned a few years ago serial # 53845

llls.jpg
 

Attachments

  • llls.jpg
    llls.jpg
    114.7 KB · Views: 173
  • VVVV.jpg
    VVVV.jpg
    96.3 KB · Views: 158
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom