Questions on a Model 1926 made in 1946

[epidoc]

I bought a Model 1926 with S&W letter today at the Reno Gun show. It was shipped to Strevell-Patterson Hardware, Salt Lake City, Utah August 1946. Since I live in Salt Lake and remember the building where they were located that was a big plus. ( I won't have the pistol in my possession until late next week so no pictures yet.)

The finish is blued and would rate about 98%. The barrel is 4 inch length. The ejector rod has the wider head. The hammer is also the prewar type.
First question - was S&W still using up pre-war parts in 1946?

The grips have been replaced with the nicest part of finely checkered grips with the large gold medallion I've seen such. It is the same kind of grip I have on my triple lock. The seller discounted the price because the pistol had the wrong grips, and I did not protest.

Next question: What type of grips should this pistol have? Can someone post pictures?

[Muley Gil]

I would say since there had been no N frame production during WW II (strictly K frame Victory models), that yes, the factory would still be using up their prewar parts.

Grips would probably be prewar Magnas.

In the automotive world, it was 1949 before newly designed cars appeared. Due to consumer demand caused by returning servicemen, the 1946-48 model cars were the 1942 models with minor changes, such as grills. Smith & Wesson didn't go to all short action revolvers until 1950.

[BruceHMX]

Yes mostly all pre war parts. Seems like you got a nice one. Please post pics when received.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by epidoc

I bought a Model 1926 with S&W letter today at the Reno Gun show. It was shipped to Strevell-Patterson Hardware, Salt Lake City, Utah August 1946. Since I live in Salt Lake and remember the building where they were located that was a big plus. ( I won't have the pistol in my possession until late next week so no pictures yet.)

The finish is blued and would rate about 98%. The barrel is 4 inch length. The ejector rod has the wider head. The hammer is also the prewar type.
First question - was S&W still using up pre-war parts in 1946?

The grips have been replaced with the nicest part of finely checkered grips with the large gold medallion I've seen such. It is the same kind of grip I have on my triple lock. The seller discounted the price because the pistol had the wrong grips, and I did not protest.

Next question: What type of grips should this pistol have? Can someone post pictures?

Pls excuse the redundancy if you know this already. It would have Magnas, with pre war borders or post war borders and possibly with flat silver medallions or post war curved nickel plated ones. The #2 style (2 of 3) pre war ejector knob is common that early (1946). The thumblatch is probably post war, (fully sculptured but non relieved under the checkered pad). Does it have the post war full address on lower front frame or pre war patent dates on barrel?
Should have improved hammer safety but pre war style and long throw hammer.

[rct269]

Uh, I don't know any way right off to determine when a gun was made by reference to the shipping date. I have a Model of 1926 Target which was shipped on January 28, 1941. During my pre-purchase discussions with Jinks, he told me it was manufactured in 1938. I probably shouldn't even bring it up because I've forgotten the date details, but I'm told the last Revolving Rifle was shipped in the 1930's sometime----------or thereabouts.

And speaking of when it was made, I just remembered a not so minor detail-------the serial number. I am correct, am I not, in my recollection that post war serial numbers start with a letter rather than a number-----like an 'S' for this particular beast?

Ralph Tremaine

[The Gila Bender]

Hello Epidoc, Congrats on finding an early 4" transition. Follow this link to a discussion and pics of the post war transition .44 HE Model of 1926. Welcome to the club!
.44 HE 3rd Model Postwar-Transitional

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by The Gila Bender

Hello Epidoc, Congrats on finding an early 4" transition. Follow this link to a discussion and pics of the post war transition .44 HE Model of 1926. Welcome to the club!
.44 HE 3rd Model Postwar-Transitional

The 3rd Model Transitional in that link is about as early as they get:
Pre war relieved thumblatch and ejector knob. Patent dates on barrel and no address on right front frame. And of course Long action pre war hammer.
Post war Magnas w/ curved medallions and round cornered checkering border.

[phenson]

Here is a pic of mine. Shipped July 18, 1946. From what I understand, the magna stocks on the transitional guns were called high horns because of the more pronounced shelf at the horn. I think S&W only used this first variation of the post war magna stock for about 3 years, making them rare as well.

[smith17]

I asked the transitional gun/stocks question a few years back and the consensus of Those Who Possess the Knowledge was that they didn't know of any postwar N frame which was shipped with pre-war magnas, unlike some of the K frames of that era.
Ed

[Bill Bates]

Here is mine of similar vintage with Magnas numbered to the gun.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by smith17

I asked the transitional gun/stocks question a few years back and the consensus of Those Who Possess the Knowledge was that they didn't know of any postwar N frame which was shipped with pre-war magnas, unlike some of the K frames of that era.
Ed

Agreed, also I frames of that era.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by phenson

Here is a pic of mine. From what I understand, the magna stocks on the transitional guns were called high horns because of the more pronounced shelf at the horn. I think S&W only used this first variation of the post war magna stock for about 3 years, making them rare as well.

phenson, "high horns" is a term used to describe the J frame Centennial, which became the Mod 42, 'mini' magna grips . They were about 1/4" higher to match the hammerless frame shape. But it's true, the ridge or shelf that you describe as shown on your gorgeous N frame grips was a feature only on the early magna grips.

[rburg]

The issue or problem with the early transition guns (which yours is) seems to be the long frames. Back then the wood was fitted to the semi finished guns. Then they used a belt sander to fit the wood to the frame, removing some material from both. Hence the superb fit of wood to metal. When you go looking for transition grips, even if they're the right length, they often don't fit real well. I wish you luck in your search. But take the gun with you when you go looking. Test fit any you find before you buy them. You won't be sorry. You'll pay a pretty penny and might not end up satisfied.

The next post war 3rd model I see I'm buying (but only 4"). Its the one I'm missing (I've got a 3rd model target). I'll find one sooner or later.

[Toyman]

Post war 3rd model HE serial S63337 'OPEN ON THE BOOKS' so can't tell when shipped.