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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 11-06-2014, 10:16 AM
BibleronKJV BibleronKJV is offline
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Default Unusual 38/44

Just closed a deal on a prewar 38/44, but have not taken possession yet. From the pictures provided by the seller I note that there are two small threaded holes on the butt on either end of the serial number. The holes look like they are about the same size as the sideplate screws or perhaps a bit smaller. Any ideas as to their purpose? Thanks, Ron
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:23 AM
clang444 clang444 is offline
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Somewhere along the line someone might have mounted a brass plate or shield on the bottom of the grips.

There was a post years ago about a police department (Detroit???) where it was popular to use a set of grips with a brass plate on the bottom. The brass plate was there to either adjust the balance of the gun or protect it when you hit someone over the head with it.

It could of also been for something decorative like an engraved police officer's shield. I've seen them mounted on side plates, so why not the bottom of the grip too.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:29 AM
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I think clang444 nailed it. I remember police officers here in Houston in the 60s and 70s having replicas of their shields mounted on the butts of their revolvers.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:38 AM
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The plate may have also offered some degree of protection to the stocks when the officer entered/exited a vehicle.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:43 AM
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I think a factory historic letter might give you the answer. Possibly shipped to a pd department. Could be a chance you find the correct butt plate for it.DSCN0994.jpg

DSCN0991.jpg

Last edited by lowhog; 11-06-2014 at 10:48 AM.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:48 AM
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Had a head knocker on it.
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