Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Double Action Frontier

Serial Number: 11754

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1886–1888, Antique

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF)

Action Type: Top-Break Double Action Revolver with Six-Round Cylinder

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D JAN. 17 & 24. 65 / JULY 11. 65 AUG. 24. 69 JULY 25. 71 DEC. 2. 79 MAY 11. & 25. 1880”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “11754”. The S&W monogram is molded into both grip panels and stamped on both sideplates.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade. The rear sight is a notch in the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with the S&W monogram. Both panels are well fit with some mild smoothing from use but no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is defined. There is erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% of its original nickel finish. Much of the nickel has worn or flaked from the frame and cylinder, exposing areas of brown patina and scattered oxidation, though protected areas retain stronger coverage. The barrel shows stronger finish with thinning on the edges and light freckling throughout. The screw heads are worn but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. The top-break latch and automatic ejector system are intact and operate as intended. The cylinder times and locks with minor play. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier revolver is a well-preserved survivor from the American frontier era. Produced in the late 1880s and chambered in .44-40 Winchester—the same cartridge favored by cowboys and lawmen for their lever guns—this top-break revolver represents S&W’s answer to the Colt Peacemaker for double-action firepower.

Its serial number and markings confirm it as an early production model, and it remains in mechanically sound condition with considerable original nickel finish still present. The 6-inch barrel is the most desirable length for this model, and the .44-40 chambering makes it a true "Frontier" variant rather than the more common .44 S&W Russian.

Collectors of Western-era arms, antique handguns, and early S&W revolvers will appreciate this piece for its historical value, attractive profile, and honest condition. It’s an iconic revolver from the golden age of the American West—and it still has stories to tell.