Am I “THE VILLAGE IDIOT” ...again?!

Say When! · Mar 31, 2025

Howdy Smith & Wesson Forum Members!

Did ALL Y’ALL take yesterday OFF?!

Or am I “THE VILLAGE IDIOT” ...again?!

Last night, GB auction for Item 1090629944 (Description below) INEXPLICABLY closed with ONLY 1-BID ... from me:

Description:
4” barrel S&W Hand Ejector 4th Model .44 Target Model of 1950 (pre model 24) revolver

Seller stated:

"Stamped on the inside of the right grip is 158 over 224

Grips are numbered, but do not match the revolver

Does not appear to have been re-blued

No rework date

This revolver belonged to an 83 yr old dealer who passed"

I am at a loss to understand WHY I was the ONLY Bidder for this revolver!

Unless I’m MISSING something (which, unfortunately, is OFTEN the case!), this is a widely recognized SCARCE variant of the highly-esteemed S&W Hand Ejector 4th Model .44 Target Model of 1950 (pre model 24) revolver!

Reference pages 188 & 189 of "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" 4th Edition.

So I wonder WHY there were NO OTHER Bidders?!

Here I sit (CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC) thinking I got away with MURDER!

I’m just waiting for "the other shoe to drop" and KILL MY BUZZ!

Was I "THE VILLAGE IDIOT”...again?!

Or can "even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while”?!

I welcome your CANDID insights!

GO AHEAD!
LET ME HAVE IT!

Kind regards,

The ROOKIE Collector

Say When!

Say When! · Mar 31, 2025

Batch-2 of pictures

murphydog · Mar 31, 2025

Congratulations! I may have seen that one, it looks nice and original. Cool gun, enjoy!

DARE · Mar 31, 2025

Well, you did not tell us what you paid. Whether you are an idiot or got away with murder depends on the price.

ms · Mar 31, 2025

It has been poorly refinished. The frame stamps are badly damaged by buffing.

Gun Relics · Mar 31, 2025

DARE said:
Well, you did not tell us what you paid. Whether you are an idiot or got away with murder depends on the price.

Here it is:

GB Closed Auction

murphydog · Mar 31, 2025

ms said:
It has been poorly refinished. The frame stamps are badly damaged by buffing.

Can’t tell from the photos, but to me no obvious signs of a bad refinish if any. Hope the OP posts more images after a good cleaning.

mh51 · Mar 31, 2025

I have to agree with Alan. After looking at all the pics on GB, I don't see any glaring signs of refinish. If the OP is happy with the price, then I think he did well.

moosedog · Mar 31, 2025

Clearer pictures of the stampings are on the GB ad. I believe it is the original finish, and you did well.

AudieMurphy · Mar 31, 2025

Im a 44 spl fan... and with all the fees? I've seen em go cheaper

gmborkovic · Mar 31, 2025

Mr. Say When, I like your style.

clang444 · Mar 31, 2025

I think it may be a refinished gun. Not knowing for sure would keep me from bidding at that price.

Casual Smith Nut · Mar 31, 2025

I’d say also original, not refinished. Could be wrong though. Assuming an all original 4 inch 1950 Target, I’d say that wouldn’t last long here on classifieds for $2,200 which is what it would come out to after shipping and state specific sales tax (GA 8%). Someone would want it at that price.

If I wanted a true gun in that configuration and had the money I’d say a fair to good buy. Thanks for sharing!

44wheelman · Mar 31, 2025

clang444 said:
I think it may be a refinished gun. Not knowing for sure would keep me from bidding at that price.

Stamp under cylinder released looks washed out to me. BBL looks darker than gun in some pics. S&W stamp on left side of bbl looks a little thin. How about a picture of frame with grips off when you get it. I would not definitely say one way or the other without gun in hand.

Thanks for sharing, I haven't seen many 4" 1950's.

22hipower · Mar 31, 2025

I don't see any obvious signs of a refinish and think you did great at that price assuming it turns out to be original. Barrel appears to be original, you'll want to letter it to find out for sure. The 5th Edition says $1250 for "good" condition in 6.5 inch but sales of 4 inch guns have been reported in the $5k-$6k range for lettered 1950 44s; and 25% premium for a bright blue finish. Assuming it letters and is original bright blue finish you got a great buy. Even if it turns out to be refinished, but an original 4 inch, you're ok. Only if it turns out to have a cut barrel and a refinish did you pay too much. And in no case are you the village idiot for buying it. There were only 1200 of these guns built and any fan of S&W .44s wants one, especially a 4 inch.

I see you're in Allen, TX, not far from me. I'd love to see it some day.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

ralph7 · Mar 31, 2025

Maybe I'm seeing things, but the Made In Usa stamp on the right side looks pretty bad.
Compare it with the barrel stamping on the same side and yes, I am looking at the GB pics.

Say When! · Mar 31, 2025

Hi David Reynolds:

I paid $2,219.12

Kind regards.
Say When!

DARE said:
Well, you did not tell us what you paid. Whether you are an idiot or got away with murder depends on the price.

Say When! · Mar 31, 2025

murphydog said:
Congratulations! I may have seen that one, it looks nice and original. Cool gun, enjoy!

Thank you, Alan!
Kind regards,
Say When!

22hipower · Mar 31, 2025

ralph7 said:
Maybe I'm seeing things, but the Made In Usa stamp on the right side looks pretty bad.
Compare it with the barrel stamping on the same side and yes, I am looking at the GB pics.

One of the pictures of the four line address looks questionable but another one shows the four lines looking ok. Same with the small logo on the left side; one picture shows it blurred but it looks ok in another.

The side plate seam looks tight and the screws do not appear to be dished. Might be a refinish but a pretty good one if it is.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

handejector · Mar 31, 2025

I suspect it is a Factory refinish.

Am I “THE VILLAGE IDIOT” ...again?!

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