4 Inch Wolf & Klar 3rd Model 44

[EarlB]

I've been working on getting this one for a week. Finally got it today. Sorry for the poor photos. I actually think they make this one look worse than it does, high polish blue and cloudy days don't go together.

This is a Wolf and Klar 3rd Model factory 4" 44 Special, S#34,865 that shipped in June 1930. It has the original finish, has never been back to the factory and is all matching including the stocks. I just love this gun. I wish I could know where all it's been in it's almost 90 year life. It was most definitely a working mans gun - one can hope a Texas Sheriff. I will letter it "just in case" but know it will probably just show shipped to Wolf and Klar.

I don't know exactly how rare or uncommon the 4" 3rd Model pre-war guns are but I know they are seen much less than the 5" guns. The holster may be a new El Paso "Austin" but it looks good in it until I can find a vintage holster.

Thanks,
Earl

 

[Peak53]

That is a beauty. I can't vouch for the comparative numbers of 4" vs. 5" but some knowledgeable person will very soon. I have one of the more typical 5" nickel versions and enjoy it very much. I like yours better!

 

[quinn]

Only a week? This is one I would have dedicated at least a month towards. Congratulations Earl!

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, and unusual to find in blue, not refinished and in 4", 90 years later. Enjoy!

 

[44specialfan]

Congratulations sir !,

 

[Watchdog]

That ol' boy's seen a bit of use, hasn't he? Looks just fine to me, though. Congratulations on your acquisition. Be nice if you could pair it up with a really vintage holster, wouldn't it? Guns like that simply do not show up on the market around here, much to my regret. I'd take out a small loan if I ran up on something like that one.

 

[22hipower]

Nice, and Earl, I wish you'd stop apologizing for "the bad photos" as they're far better than any I post. The leather isn't half bad either.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[huntandfishguy63]

Beautiful revolver. Novice question were all the grips stamped with the serial number back in the good old days ?

 

[Art Doc]

Very handsome. I've had 2, still have one, and both were nickel 5" versions. One went to W&K and the other went to Texas but another dealer. Third Models are just cool.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Well done EarlB, that's a keeper! I don't have exact numbers but believe the 4" 1926 Model .44HE falls in the "pretty rare" category. I sold mine thinking it would be easy to find another...NOT! But I tracked it down and managed to buy it again last December. She's back! Prewar .44 3rd returns home!

 

[EarlB]

It has, but by someone that took pretty good care of it. Cylinders and bore are still excellent. Its got a few dings and stuff, would love to know where it's been. I normally take highest condition possible, but I also like LEO guns and am starting to really like prewar guns that were used for their intended purpose. That and pristine just don't go together! I only wish I had gotten into this a few years back when prewar guns weren't as expensive as they are now. In searching the posting history there are a few posts of 4" 3rd Model owners that found theirs for a few hundred dollars. I wasn't so lucky that's for sure - but am still pretty darn happy with it. Maybe tomorrow I'll take a pic of the 44 Posse..I have one each on the 1st and 2nd Models and 3 3rd Models - this one, a pre war 5" and a post war transitional 5". Interestingly although I know nickel is pretty common in them all, only my Triple Lock is nickel.

Earl

That ol' boy's seen a bit of use, hasn't he? Looks just fine to me, though. Congratulations on your acquisition. Be nice if you could pair it up with a really vintage holster, wouldn't it? Guns like that simply do not show up on the market around here, much to my regret. I'd take out a small loan if I ran up on something like that one.

 

[Muley Gil]

Beautiful revolver. Novice question were all the grips stamped with the serial number back in the good old days ?

Yes, factory service style and Magna grips were fitted to the frame and stamped on the inside of the right grip with the serial number or hand written instead of stamped.

 

[EarlB]

When they started with the 1st Model Hand Ejector (Triple Lock) the number was penciled on the right grip panel. I don't remember the exact time frame (someone else will know it by heart and probably post up) but at some point they started stamping it on the right panel.

Earl

Beautiful revolver. Novice question were all the grips stamped with the serial number back in the good old days ?

 

[EarlB]

Wow Gila Bender, that one is a beauty! Earl

Well done EarlB, that's a keeper! I don't have exact numbers but believe the 4" 1926 Model .44HE falls in the "pretty rare" category. I sold mine thinking it would be easy to find another...NOT! But I tracked it down and managed to buy it again last December. She's back! Prewar .44 3rd returns home!

 

[bluetopper]

Now that's my kind of hand ejector, one you wouldn't be afraid to shoot and enjoy just like it was intended.

 

[LLOYD17]

Congrats!! Can't wait for the range report.

 

[bluetopper]

Wolf & Klar Co. jewelers, sporting goods, & firearms 1897-1966, Ft. Worth, TX.
HS Lebman, Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, Machine Gun Kelly used to shop there. They sold many thousands of firearms and were a huge dealer for Smith & Wesson.

 

[delcrossv]

Looks pretty good to me Earl.
Good catch!

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

TALES

Man, the tales that baby could tell!!! Big Time CONGRATS!!!

 

[FifthWheel]

That is nice! So is the holster and the pictures!