A short while back a member here posted this Smith and Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty, post World War II Transition Variation. He was needing some 'free money' so I responded that I had some free money, but, I would have to hold his .38/44 Heavy Duty as collateral.

So, a little time passes and this jewel made the trip back to Texas. Isn't that where all Heavy Duties should wind up?

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to acquire this one as it is in stellar condition. If you are going to have just one, people, this is it.

Enjoy,
bdGreen

That, Sir, is VERY nice. It's a model that I don't have and have always admired. Just never have run across one that I was in a position to exchange "free" money for!! I would beg or borrow money to buy that one. Sometimes we purchase a nice S&W revolver to early (as some say about the purchase price). Alas, it seems that I have waited until too late to purchase mine. They command serious money these days. Of course, the asking price for the ones I saw many years ago, while much less than today's prices, was also very serious money at the time. My NMSP salary didn't include much discretionary funding since requirements to keep two growing boys fed and clothed were also substantial. But I'm still looking, and I still have hopes of finding a nice one like you now own.

Congratulations on obtaining what I consider to be an exceptionally nice example of one of my favorite .38 Specials!

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So long ... Ken

That is one beautiful revolver. One of the nicest HD's I have seen. Enjoy it!

Very nice transitional 38/44 HD. I believe I sold you that one.
Glad it's back home.

Update: I sold this to the guy that needed the "free money".

To clarify the published 'banter', the gentleman made a plea for some 'free money' in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. I also responded in a tongue-in-cheek fashion that I had some 'free money'.
He approached me offline with a wonderful chance at acquiring this HD.
And I have.
It was an outright sell and purchase agreement.
And, I sincerely thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for responding to my bit of banter. I am the better for it as is my collection of Smith and Wesson revolvers. Though, meager that it is.

enjoy,
bdGreen

A sweet example of one of my favorite models. I have its slightly younger brother S66842 in almost as good condition, which shipped three days later to Chicago.

That misdirection is a tragedy because if it had shipped to Austin on that day it would have arrived in time to be a first birthday gift for me. Sadly I had to wait more than 60 years before catching up with it, but better late than never. I figure that missed connection in Austin makes it almost a Texas HD, which is the next best thing to being a real one.

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David Wilson

bruce, donna gave me my allowance today. i'll double your money and give you $63.20 for it and you pay the shipping. that is a beautiful example that was obviously never carried or shot. thanks for sharing. lee

Free money or not, that is a sweet HD. Congrats!

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50 Years of DSOTM

Actually they were all born here in Springfield. That is where they belong. Nice revolver either way. Enjoy it my friend.
Don

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Don Mundell

Mine was shipped to Texas in the first place. Not a cool transitional model, just a regular old post war HD with the 1950 short action. Serial suggests 1956, letter says not shipped until 1960. Shows how slowly they were moving back then. I guess shooters didn't recognize good stuff like we do now.

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No life story has happy end.

This has nothing to do with free money but it is a link to where the original money was spent.

N. St. Mary's Street looking north toward intersection of E. Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas, 1940 :: Zintgraff Studio Photograph Collection

Potchernick's on South St. Marys in S A.

I wish I was sitting on the RiverWalk with a cold beer right now.

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Guero

Thanx for the link to the pictures. Interesting place and time. I am thinking that Potchernick's company could have been the ordering point for the local police department. Why else would they order seven of the same gun? Especially that one.

Really, sitting on the River Walk? It's a hundred degrees outside. But, you know that already being in west Texas.

bdGreen

Bruce, nice HD! I think Roy would have indicated if it was going to a pd as they would have used the tax exemption. I think we have to realize that the USA did not have access to new guns for 6 years and would grab whatever they could. I hope this helps and will be on the lookout for a box.
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Super nice transitional. Thanks for sharing.
I'm off to a gun show this morning. You have inspired me.

When I was a kid, I usually had a few dollars. A near do well uncle was usually broke. I held, at different times, a Stoger American eagle Luger and a Colt's SAA .38-40 for him until he was able to repay. All it cost him was that I shot his ammo.

Also, my first issue revolver as a Texas trooper was a nickel pre war 4" HD. Memories........

Jack

Well, Lee, I am finding it a little difficult to believe that you really got your allowance from Donna.

I will take you up on your offer, but man, I refuse to pay for shipping.

Of course the deal would include being a member of the 'pie of the month club'.

bdGreeen

Bruce
The hole in the bbl is way too large for your taste. You have my address.

Charlie

Similar to mine-


Check out that rod!




I tend to think proportionally fewer vegetarians ever own heavy duties.

Absolutely Magnificent. One of my top 3 Bucket List Guns. Enjoy!

Any time that it wants to get back to it's home town, just let me know.....I would be happy to adopt it

that is a very nice example....when are you going to post the range report?

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On the Oak Savannah

Charlie who?

That is an absolutely stunning piece- congrats!