I've come a across an early post war 44 3rd Model .44 Spl. with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and lanyard ring that appears factory I'm interested in maybe buying. I pulled the grips all numbers match where they should. I would put the old work horse in about 70% condition with some holster wear. The back strap has been ground to remove some stamping. Under a magnifying glass you can just make out a "W" as the first letter so I'm thinking this maybe a Washington State Patrol revolver. The Serial number is S-626xx range.

I guess the question is what would be a fair offer on a revolver like this one for both the seller and the buyer.

here are some picks I snapped

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Bill Bates

Bill
I have two of these consecutive serial numbers condition is about
90 %. I paid 1600 for one about 10 years ago. by the pictures it looks to having matching grips. I would think that it should be worth
between 1200 and 1500 there were only about 1300 total of the Transition models made.
the split is about 100 4 inch, 800 5 inch and about 400 6 1/2.
I hope this helps
Jim Fisher

Bill - I have acquired two third model transition .44s this month. Both are 5" and were priced at 1200 and 1600.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

How much does having the stamping ground off the backstrap hurt the value?

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Bill Bates

If you found one with the original markings it would be worth a lot more. I think the other posters had some good advice.
Bill

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

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38-44heavyduty.com

Some cop shops don't want the agency name on guns they sell. Very cool revolver. No idea of monetary value but I'd sure like to have it.

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No life story has happy end.

Following on Jim's evaluation above: I have a 6.5" Transition (S 633xx) in 98% condition in its gold box that was NOT a WSP gun (no backstrap grinding). It was a six gun shipment to Chicago; five with 5" bbls. and this one with a 6.5" bbl.

When I got it in 2005 it was listed at $2350 although I traded some other guns for it so I don't have that in it. I saw another similar condition gun listed for $3800 a couple of years ago.

Bob

That is a WSP gun.
The condition is typical for them.
It is easily worth 1500.

Even in 05, Bob got a deal at $2350 for a 98% gun.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

To many it accentuates the value, in that it establishes the provenance of the gun.

thank you all for the help. I think we're all on the same page value wise. I'm going to try to get it added to my wee collection.

Now I have to get the family bookkeeper on board with another little purchase.

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Bill Bates