I've come across a S&W 1st model triple lock hand ejector 44 special with a 6 1/2" barrel. It's in nice condition, enough to believe it may have been re-blued at some time but all the sharp edges, lettering, screw holes etc remain intact so it was done right if so. The only negative is the original grips are gone. Anyone know a rough estimate of what this would be worth and also, how much would a period correct set of grips cost for this? Thanks

Fixed Sight 6 1/2" .44 Specials are the most commonly encountered Commercial Triple Locks. .455's are Military Guns and there used to be alot of them around, but many were carved up by heathens to make .45 ACP / Auto Rim or .45 Colt Conversions.

It is suprising how many Triple Locks were returned to the factory for refinish.

If you can document the refinish to be factory (grip frame markings are a pretty good indicator) you are in better shape than if it was done locally.

Earlier serail numbers seem to be more appealing than later ones.

All of that having been said, I'd guess a 6 1/2" Blue Factory Refinished Triple Lock in other wise very good condition to be worth $8-900... Subtract $150 or so for the grips.

My opinion.

Drew

quote:

Originally posted by g17:
I've come across a S&W 1st model triple lock hand ejector 44 special with a 6 1/2" barrel. It's in nice condition, enough to believe it may have been re-blued at some time but all the sharp edges, lettering, screw holes etc remain intact so it was done right if so. The only negative is the original grips are gone. Anyone know a rough estimate of what this would be worth and also, how much would a period correct set of grips cost for this? Thanks

At my most recent show I saw original replacements for about $85.00 to $100.00 or so. By period correct I'd presume good replicas are OK, Numrich is out now but they do from time to time have these in stock.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=1032930

Based upon the description you have provided, I believe $800 to $1000 would be typical. As far as original correct period grips, they have sold on this forum classifieds for as much as $250, so if you find a pair in condition compatible with that of the revolver, expect to pay that much or possibly more. If you can find a pair of correct stocks for $100 or less, I believe you will have been very fortunate.

There are some issues concerning refinished specimens. Some fellows reject them, even documented factory refinished pieces with rework marks and dates on the grip frame, as non original. Whether one feels that way or not, it does impact value. There have been many discussions in this section concerning the pros and cons of that subject.

Generally, many of these pre war pieces are becoming rare, especially high original condition guns. In the case of the TL, certainly one of the finest examples of S&W's talent for producing a superior arm, they seem to appear frequently in a refinished state. We sometimes overlook the fact that revolvers, particularly those that saw extensive daily wear over many decades, were often refinished to preserve or protect the weapon from further deterioration. This was done routinely with no consideration for it's potential effect on future value, just as a practical measure to insure the arm remained in good overall repair and appearance.

The TL's also seem to be more frequently found in certain areas more often than in others. So that in itself might motivate a buyer to go the extra distance to acquire one and perhaps be a bit more forgiving concerning condition.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the info.

g17
If you decide on the purchase I can help with the acquisition of a correct period nice pair of grips! Good Luck in your search!!

PackN

Thanks PackN. I'll shoot you an email if I end up with it.

g17, are you still reading this thread? My buddies went to the Kenny Woods show in Louisville yesterday. They spotted a set of original N frame gold medallion grips. I he forgot the asking price, but said it was under $100. He buys K frame wood, and passed on them because they clearly were "different" and too big. That doesn't leave any wiggle room.

G17,

I have a TL in much the same condition as the one which you have described. It shipped in 1908 (sn 200x) and Roy's letter may give you some insight into how it has retained its excellent condition over the years and I quote:

"This revolver could have been factory refinished since the grips are from a period after 1910 and before 1920. It is possible it was done during World War I and not marked. The revolver is first year production and should have non-monogrammed grips."

Bob

this is one i have . Dick or Bob, what do you make of these grips? i have since found a pr of gold medallion grips for it but these are without and what was on it. i dont believe thay are S&W without the "diamond" boarder around the screw hole. ? Phil

Those grips did not leave the factory that way, and they may never have seen the
factory. The checkering is wrong in several ways. Besides the lack of a diamond, it
goes too high towards the top of the grip. As a result, the non-medallion area is
too small. What non-medallion area there is, is convex, meaning curving outward.
That style is 1920 to 1930, far too late for this TL.

If I had to guess, I would say that those grips were never factory, but made up by
someone else.

Later, Mike Priwer

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:
g17, are you still reading this thread? My buddies went to the Kenny Woods show in Louisville yesterday. They spotted a set of original N frame gold medallion grips. I he forgot the asking price, but said it was under $100. He buys K frame wood, and passed on them because they clearly were "different" and too big. That doesn't leave any wiggle room.

Thanks for the info Dick. I passed on the TL as I had too many irons in the fire, then second guessed and now it has gone to someone else.