Smith and Wesson New Model Double Action question

[CaribouHunter]

Can any one give an explanation as to why a S&W New Model Double Action in .44 Russian would have a different serial number on the frame vs the rest of the firearm? How much would this effect resale value? Does anyone think this could have been an error while stamping?

 

[CaribouHunter]

I had embedded this link in the original message but it didn't work. https://ibb.co/Ld1XB4V

 

[quinnbrian]

Is it just the cylinder, or cylinder and barrel? Might have had the caliber changed..

Edit...the top number is the barrel...lol so maybe just the cylinder been changed out.

 

[CaribouHunter]

I should have mentioned all the serial numbers match the cylinder EXCEPT the barrel.

 

[fingers284]

quite common for manufacturer's back then to stamp a "batch identification" number in addition to the actual ser#. Your barrel # could be that.

 

[vagrantviking]

I've got a top break S&W in 38S&W of similar vintage with a frame that doesn't match the barrel and cylinder. I think they are from slightly different models even.

No doubt many of these guns met with some misadventures, repairs and rebuilding over the almost century and a half they've been around. They aren't the most robust design either.

Value will be less but how much depends on how much of a collectors piece it would be otherwise. If it's not in very good condition or have some historical information it's more shooter grade and value will be similar.

 

[Arctic]

Good odds that it was part of a batch rebuild at one time. And then no one cared about matching numbers.

 

[CaribouHunter]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I have been trying to find out what one of these is worth. There are not very many of them online for purchase right now. Blueing on this one is i would say is 20% maybe 30% if your being generous. Grips are black rubber in good shape. 6" barrel. Everything is functional, including extractor.