Smith and Wesson break top

Nanaimo Barr · August 11, 2004, 02:00 PM

I posted about this a couple of years ago or so, finnaly got decent pics.

there is a 4 digit number stamped into the strap on the bottom of the butt.

I think I know what it is, but any info would be greatly appreciated, and the owners are interested as well as it is a heirloom,

NB

Jim Watson · August 11, 2004, 03:52 PM

Smith & Wesson No 3 American, First Model, standard type in sound condition. Looks like mostly brown patina. Is there any blue or case color remaining? What are the barrel rib markings?

Looks like there is a little hole in the extractor housing, is that 4-digit number (serial number) less than 1500? Should be, according to Blue Book.

Caliber .44 S&W aka .44 American aka 44/100 S&W (There were a mighty few .44 Henry rimfires made.)

Blue Book value in the low to middle thousands of dollars, depending on what a collector would call the condition. Nice.

I suggest showing it over at www.smith-wessonforum.com and see what the experts say.

Nanaimo Barr · August 11, 2004, 04:16 PM

>Smith & Wesson No 3 American, First Model, standard type in sound condition. Looks >like mostly brown patina. Is there any blue or case color remaining? What are the barrel >rib markings?

mostly brown Patina yes.. it did look to be sound based on my limited knowledge.

I don't recall any blue or case, but the light wasn't good and I wasn't actually allowed (legaly) to handle it. but I would hazzard 98% patina

Barrel Rib Markings

"Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass USA PAT July 10 60 jan. 17. Feb 17 July 11 65 & aug 24 69"

>Looks like there is a little hole in the extractor housing, is that 4-digit number (serial >number) less than 1500? Should be, according to Blue Book.

high 1400's. looking to see if I have a better pic of the extracor housing.

hope this is the right angle

>Caliber .44 S&W aka .44 American aka 44/100 S&W (There were a mighty few .44 Henry >rimfires made.)

>Blue Book value in the low to middle thousands of dollars, depending on what a collector >would call the condition. Nice.

I think you made someones day! they have it as a heirloom, one of them "mysterious relitives", seems someone jumped ship off a Brit Merchie in Oregon in the late 1800's

I suggest showing it over at www.smith-wessonforum.com and see what the experts say.

will do, thanks for the info..
NB

Jim Watson · August 11, 2004, 04:33 PM

I am not a S&W collector person, but the markings are correct according to Flayderman. Sounds and looks like a nice piece with family history.

Curious, though.
How come you were not allowed to legally handle it?

Nanaimo Barr · August 11, 2004, 04:51 PM

I'm a Legal Resident Alien, (came into the country legaly and everything), Washington state (where this pistol is) has a law saying Aliens need a special permit to even be in possession of a firearm, but I live in Idaho, so therefore can not be issued the permit. but I still have to have it to handle firearms in WA state.. catch 22

my wife sure had a good time thought! wish I had gotten some pics of her fondling it

August 11, 2004, 04:51 PM	#5
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	I'm a Legal Resident Alien, (came into the country legaly and everything), Washington state (where this pistol is) has a law saying Aliens need a special permit to even be in possession of a firearm, but I live in Idaho, so therefore can not be issued the permit. but I still have to have it to handle firearms in WA state.. catch 22 my wife sure had a good time thought! wish I had gotten some pics of her fondling it __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

August 11, 2004, 03:52 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Smith & Wesson No 3 American, First Model, standard type in sound condition. Looks like mostly brown patina. Is there any blue or case color remaining? What are the barrel rib markings? Looks like there is a little hole in the extractor housing, is that 4-digit number (serial number) less than 1500? Should be, according to Blue Book. Caliber .44 S&W aka .44 American aka 44/100 S&W (There were a mighty few .44 Henry rimfires made.) Blue Book value in the low to middle thousands of dollars, depending on what a collector would call the condition. Nice. I suggest showing it over at www.smith-wessonforum.com and see what the experts say.

August 11, 2004, 04:33 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	I am not a S&W collector person, but the markings are correct according to Flayderman. Sounds and looks like a nice piece with family history. Curious, though. How come you were not allowed to legally handle it?