* Edit/Update 11-13 ..... added pic of the letter that arrived today. *
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Here's my delivery date letter!
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Before I put a WTB ad in the Classifieds, maybe I should have a ball park figure of how much the factory correct grips are.

Your thoughts?

Which .44 hand ejector are we talking about and what vintage? Early .44s, such as the Triple Lock had grips with concave topped service grips, then had gold medallions. Second model .44s had gold medallions, convex topped service grips, silver medallion service grips or Magnas. Third models had convex topped service grips, silver medallion service grips or Magnas.

Need I go on?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

S/N dates it to 1928. Honestly I don't know if 2nd or 3rd or Triple Lock or not. Of course, didn't know there were / are so many varieties of grips. Will do more research and get back. Thanks.

OK, we're playing a guessing game with you. Tell us a little more (I want to buy a vowel). What barrel length, as measured from the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Its not certain, but if its short like a 4 or 5, it could easily be a 3rd model. If long, like 6 1/2, its probably 2nd model. There are exceptions, but the general rule is as I stated.

I'll just guess it has "fixed sights" as in the rear is just a groove down the top of the frame. Most were.

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Dick Burg

If you post the majority of the SN, such as #293xx, that would help. Pictures would be best. The Triple Lock production ended in the 15,000 range, so that would be ruled out.

2nd and 3rd model .44s were built together until around 1940.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

It really depends on the vintage and doesn't matter much if you have a 2nd or 3rd model.

2nd models (no extractor rod shroud) made before 1920 are concave at the top with recessed gold medallions.

2nd models after 1920 and 3rd models (have ext rod shroud), introduced 1926, will both have convex tops, no medallions.

After late 1929 both will have convex tops and flat silver medallions.

Stocks with gold medallions and silver medallions will run $200 to $300 depending as always on condition. No medallion stocks are the least numerous, somewhat less than silvers, but still generally run the least. Gold medallion stocks are the most numerous, close to 90,000 originally issued but still generally cost the most.

If your gun was shipped before 1929 the correct stocks should have a penciled serial # on the back of the right stock. After that date the most correct stocks will have a stamped serial #.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

This might help a little; 2nd Model from about 1923. Stocks came later via eBay for $175 a year or two ago. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Attached Images

	S&W 2nd Mod HE 44 (3).jpg (168.0 KB, 108 views)
	S&W 2nd Mod HE 44 (2).jpg (204.2 KB, 87 views)

If you are certain it is a 1928 gun, Jeff's photo just above shows the correct stock style.

As Jim mentioned above - ejector rod shroud, 3rd model. Both it and the 2nd model were produced at the same time in 1928. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

s/n 29585, will see if I can get a pic.

22hipower's picture is correct for your late '20's .44 HE.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Thanks to all.

Here's poor pics that give you no details or specifics. Sorry but it's all I've got until the gun gets here in person.

Y'all wanted a pic ...... ya got a pic! lol

Those early N Frame grips are the hardest to find. Get ready to search for a long time to find a nice pair, and have the hundred dollar bills ready. I bought this Triple Lock back in 1979. Found a nice pair of correct (1910-1919) grips about two years ago. Paid more for the grips than I did for the gun. Grips from the 1920's are a tad bit easier to find and cost a little less; but, nice ones just aren't out there. Those are gold medallions, even though they look silver in the photo.

Attached Images

Triple Lock Pic 2.jpg (106.8 KB, 77 views)

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Dr. B

This is a .44HE 2nd Model, serial number 23403, shipped May 4, 1925. Stocks are original. I haven't seen this style out in the wild for a very long time.
gun 4.jpg

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Congrats! You have a 3rd Model .44 Special. I would get a letter on it. The letter will show where it shipped and how it shipped-barrel length, finish, type of grips. Most of the time, the revolvers shipped to a distributor, but sometimes, they were sent to an individual or to a police or sheriff's department.

Since the pictures show that the hammer and trigger have been nickeled, it has been refinished outside of the factory. Check inside of the barrel shroud for a matching serial number. If there is a small "B" present, this one shipped with a blue finish.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Definitely a 3rd model. Many of these were used hard and refinished in nickel, the most durable form available at that time.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

And if it shipped with the nickel finish, there will be a letter 'B' stamped on the right side of the grip frame - near the stock locating pin.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I'm pretty sure you meant if it originally shipped with a nickel finish, it will have an N on the right side of the grip frame, also preceding the serial # in the barrel shroud.

Also no B or N in both of those locations indicates and original nickel finish.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

They should put the B and N farther apart on keyboards - for that very reason.

As for the letter in the shroud, neither of my factory nickel 3rd Models has an 'N' in the shroud. One is a 4" in the 33000's and a 6-1/2 incher in the 54000 serial range.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

Thanks gents .... yes, this one has the "N" and I suspected it had been refinished since it left "home".

Here's a flashy pair. Just got the 44 HE home. Yes, it is a re-nickel and has a few bumps and bruises. Of course for 89 years old you can expect that.

It's pictured with a mid-1930's 38 M&P I picked up a couple of years ago.

For a self-proclaimed "Ruger guy" I've found a couple of interesting old Smiths. Both came to me with the pearl grips. I'm guessing that was a big thing in the 20's and 30's?

And, I'd still consider looking at period correct factory wood grips for one or both too! As you can see by the guns, the grips being "shooter grade" would be suitable.

To update it looks like I've found my 44HE grips. Thanks to all.

Here's the wood grips that arrived today. I'm in the market for the correct grip screw to use with these wood grips too!

Check, completed form and pictures are ready for mailing to Mr. Jinks now. I'll let you know in a few weeks what the report is!
Thanks for your help and comments.

Letter has arrived .... no surprises. Very nice how he detailed the history of the gun.