1980

Very Rare and Early Production Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector First Model Triple Lock Double Action

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Very Rare and Early Production Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector First Model Triple Lock Double Action
Manufactured from 1908 until 1915. This Smith & Wesson revolver features fixed blade and top strap grooved sights, casehardened hammer and trigger, 6-round fluted cylinder with a shrouded ejector housing, and the cylinder yoke is fitted with the signature Triple Lock, a feature unique to the First Model .44 HE. Right side of the frame has a large S&W logo and the top of the barrel has the two line address/patent dates marking. Fitted with pearl grips featuring a long horn steer with red eyes on the right panel. Consignor states that this was confirmed by S&W historian Roy Jinks this revolver was shipped to Willard W. Kunsey on 24 February 1909, with Kunsey's address not listed in the records. Further, Jinks confirms this revolver was a special order single-gun shipment, and that the entry in the factory record book was handwritten and noted with a special code on the entry line. Various authors of texts on S&W history, Jinks included, state only approximately 10-15 of this model were manufactured in .44/40 caliber, making this an incredibly rare revolver.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44-40 Win
Finish: blue
Grips: pearl
Serial Number: 54


Very fine. The revolver retains approximately 75% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina with numerous minor scratches on the frame. The grip straps and trigger guard have a smooth gray patina and the cylinder has a strong drag line. There is some scattered mild pitting. The trigger and hammer retain some traces of faded case colors. The grips are also very fine with the exception of a few barely noticable absent chips on the steer and some light handling marks overall. The pearl is taking on a yellow appearance.