TL marked '.44 S&W C.T.G' -- no "Special"

[Shotguncoach]

Found something new to me.....a triple lock with the barrel marked as .44 S&W C.T.G without the word 'Special'. Was this an alternate stamping that still means .44 Special? Or is it something odd like the .44 Russian?




And of course the big question....do I need it in my collection?

So of course after the post went up, I got a hit in the search function. Apparently there were variations in the barrel stamping early in production.

[Hondo44]

1. Here's some examples with their serial #s and sometimes shipping dates. The transition period appears to be between #902 and #561 at this point:

2020 has “SPECIAL” on the barrel, 6/9/08
10xx has “SPECIAL” on the barrel.
902 is “SPECIAL” marked and has five screws, shipped in 1908.
561 Target model, marked 44 S&W Special, cut barrel, shipped Feb. 19, 1908

691 NOT SPECIAL, left side barrel marked 44 s&w ctg 6-1/2", nickel, 5 screw.
421 NOT have Special marking
373 NOT “SPECIAL” marked and has five screws
19X does NOT HAVE “SPECIAL” and has five screws, shipped Dec 1907.
146 Not “Special” marked
15 below does NOT HAVE “SPECIAL” and has five screws, shipped 1/25/1909.
2 does NOT HAVE “SPECIAL” and has four screws.

2. Everyone needs another triple lock!

3. Here's another bit of TL trivia, 4 screw frames are seen on a very few very early TLs:

#2 does NOT HAVE “SPECIAL” and has four screws.

Would you care to share the serial # for the list?

[Shotguncoach]

Thanks Hondo - I don't have a serial number on this one yet...the only pic I've seen that has a number is of the assembly number inside the yoke. Waiting for a reply from the seller to get the actual number.

[Shotguncoach]

The seller says the serial number on this one is 2393. This puts it outside of the 'normal' range for that barrel marking, but don't take it to the bank. This is second hand info over the phone from someone who didn't know where to look for the serial number. I have not been able to get pictures of the serial number yet.

[AlHunt]

Originally Posted by Shotguncoach

The seller says the serial number on this one is 2393. This puts it outside of the 'normal' range for that barrel marking, but don't take it to the bank. This is second hand info over the phone from someone who didn't know where to look for the serial number. I have not been able to get pictures of the serial number yet.

Well, now everyone is titillated.

Obviously, you must now buy the gun and straighten out the mystery. Thousands of aging S&W collectors are hunched over their keyboards, depending on you. It's quite a responsibility.

[hkcavalier]

Which screw is not present on those very early 4 screw frames?

[Shotguncoach]

Sorry to disappoint, but it went for more than I was willing to pay. Perhaps the new owner is a member here.....

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by hkcavalier

Which screw is not present on those very early 4 screw frames?

The one in front of the trigger guard.

[CScott]

Mine is number 398. It is marked 44 S&W. No "Special".

[Hondo44]

CScott,

Thank you.