Is This 44HE, 2nd Model Worth >$1K?

[bill-in-texas]

I'm very much a novice when it comes to what to look for...
Obviously, the original stocks are long gone, it's not a target model, etc.

What I do know from reading here is that a 5" bbl. may be less common, and I'd say the overall condition is fair-to-middling. I would say this would be a great shooter... lock-up is tight, with no cylinder end shake.

Please share your knowledge. What else should I look for in the HEs? (Maybe, that's asking a lot.)

-Bill

 

[quinn]

A 5" Second model 44 is somewhat scarce...I'm on the hunt for one myself. Your photo makes the gun look refinished to me which would significantly reduce the value. If the finish is original $1K would be a bargain in my book. Depending on ship date original, period stocks are available though not cheap.A photo of the sideplate would help on the finish issue.

 

[daddio202]

A picture of the left side of the gun without the grips on would help in telling if it has been refinished. Under the horn of the grip is the rebound stud which protrudes from frame and should be a nice round dimple sticking up. These are polished flat to frame almost every time a refinish is done. The seams of the sideplate on other side is another tell. If the gun has original finish it is worth + $1000

 

[bill-in-texas]

I know better than to shoot only one side of a gun -and still, I forgot!
Argh!

I'm not sure if this helps but, here's another of the left side:

 

[old bear]

Bill, here is a REAL Lay-mans thoughts. The .44 caliber HE's are scarce at best, how often do they come up for sale? So, if you would like to have it, and CAN afford it, why not buy it.
Keep us posted.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I second what old bear said, regardless of refinish. It's your money, though. Good luck.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Bill, shoot the other side of the gun. And, shoot the left side with the grips off. What's the serial number? This is mine with a little longer snout.

 

[daddio202]

I can completly understand Bill. He dies not want to spend over $1000 on a gun that may be refinished and worth half that. The only way is to go back and get more pictures with a more thorough investigation. If they want the money they should let you take the grips off. Bring your own tools that are appropriate to show you are a serious potential buyer.

 

[handejector]

I see NO signs of a refinish. IF it had original grips, $1000 would be a bargain because of the high condition. The 5" guns usually show carry wear- guys bought them to carry.
Because of the high condition, I'd be very tempted at 1000. I have 3 of the 5" guns, and I doubt that any are as clean as that one. A pair of grips as nice as that one won't be cheap, but since it is a 1920s gun, you'll need non-medallion grips, which won't be as high as 1930s grips with medallions.

 

[handejector]

Offer 800.............

 

[handejector]

Yep. I found a pic of mine. MAYBE the one on top is close in condition, but I still doubt it is as nice as that one. I don't have time to look for it right now.
As I said, you'll need non-medallion grips.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I can completly understand Bill. He dies not want to spend over $1000 on a gun that may be refinished and worth half that. The only way is to go back and get more pictures with a more thorough investigation. If they want the money they should let you take the grips off. Bring your own tools that are appropriate to show you are a serious potential buyer.

I was interested in a pre war 6” M&P once and asked the seller if he’d remove the Franzite grips like these because I wanted to see if there was a “grip line” In the finish on the frame. he wouldn’t do it so I passed on it. wish I didn’t now. But I would want to look under the grips on this one, too. nice gun.

 

[daddio202]

Looks to me like in the second picture of op's potential gun that the very front of the ejector rod is in the white as it should be if original. Also the wear on the ejector rod seems commensurate with the wear on the rest of the gun. Unless S&W refinished it at some point which you would also find out by removing left grip, that my hunch is that it is a very pampered original finish gun that lost it's grips due to the popularity of the franzite fake antler grip craze of the time after the war.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Thanks, everyone... I'll certainly go back for more pictures, possibly get a better price through negotiation, and maybe bring it home (if not "hold it" with a down-payment).

I saw no signs of a refinish and felt at the time that it was in exceptionally good shape, for a 1920s N-frame.

I know the stocks are wrong but, as period-correct replacements, I think they're somewhat cool, if anybody can relate. Lol!

 

[andy52]

My simple answer is I would spend 1k for that revolver.

 

[ancient-one]

That is a really good looking gun for as living as long as it has.

 

[Kinman]

If I ever ran across any 2nd Model H.E. in .44 that was that nice for that price I would be on it like the proverbial "Duck on a June-bug". I am one of the odd ducks that are fans of the 2nd Model. I like the look of the lack of the ejector shroud.

 

[larryofcc]

If I ever ran across any 2nd Model H.E. in .44 that was that nice for that price I would be on it like the proverbial "Duck on a June-bug". I am one of the odd ducks that are fans of the 2nd Model. I like the look of the lack of the ejector shroud.

Then you may like this one. Just showing off. Big Larry

 

[SDH]

I also have a liking for 2nd Model .44s. 5" guns are scarce and mine is less than perfect but I like all of them! I've since added a target and a .455, the newest and oldest of the group!

 

[LLOYD17]

I paid about that for a lesser condition 5 incher (but with original stocks). Turned out to be from a locally well known Toledo PD / Lucas County Sheriff. I also don’t mind overpaying a bit if it’s to my LGS. Gotta support the locals when able.