It is great to see your HD is in such great shape. I too own a 38/44 shipped to the Oklahoma City Hardware Company. Number 52,83X was shipped on May 6, 1937 and is of the four inch variety. Mine was presented to my father, Leo Kuykendall, as the prize for winning the Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers annual pistol match. He diddid carry his on a daily basis while working for the OKC PD.
By the way, Delf Bryce carried a Smith and Wesson .44 not a 38/44 while with the Oklahoma City police.

Here's a picture of your HD's older brother.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k214/eveready47/?acti...nt=20060723_0083.jpg

Also a period photo of the same revolver. Circa 1938.

Larry,
Based on known examples and factory letters, I know of 37 pre war 4 inch examples. There are 38 transition with the pre war style barrel in the database. Most of the pre war style barrels were used by the early S68000 serial number range. From my counts of all post war N frame guns and using simple rough math, I feel that there were approx. 8769 HDs made from 1946 to 1950 (serial number S62496-S75206). You won't find that number in the SCSW but it has to be in the ball park because Roy says that there were just over 20000 HDs made 1946-1966. I think there were around 4000 4" transition HDs made. It may be more because it seems like the 4" was very popular after the war. Until we can make an actual count, we won't know for sure. I hope this helps.
Thanks again,
Bill

Thanks Bill. That gives me a little more hope in finding a transition 4" HD sometime at a local gun shop or gun show. See you in Tulsa.

Jim,
That's a great looking HD and a very interesting history. How long did your Dad carry it? It seems like the OKPD officers had to purchase their own weapons and ammo. Sure wish as I'm sure you do that it still had the original Magna grips on it. Thanks again for posting it!
Bill

How much would a 4 inch transitional in 95+ cond without box and incorrect grips be worth?
Thanks, Mike

I know where one of those 37 pre-war 4" HD's are!

Thanks again Bill!

1Aspinhill- Make that 38. I just bought an original 4" pre-war HD today. Unless it's one you already know about.

See my thread on this gun as I need expert advice.

MR. SP,
I did send you an email.
Bill