Congrats on the TL. I know the exhilaration you felt having finally just acquired one. It's been over thirty years since I last held and shot one and always wanted one. Finally found a 6.5" .44 blue with considerable holster wear on the cylinder and small nicks on the bottom of the grips and frame from probably sitting down with holstered gun and banging it into something. Other than that it's unreal. Bluing great and bore immaculate, almost like new. I paid far more than I ever have for a revolver and maybe too much, but the pleasure of finally having a TL after decades of wanting one is worth it. I am glad to finally be joining your ranks as an owner of one of the finest revolvers ever made.
1st Year S&W .44 Triple Lock - Serial #689; Factory Lettered, on Page 4
- Thread starter jsmith
- Start date
First Year Triple Lock
My compliments for acquiring a very nice first year Triple Lock with most all its original Nickel finish. I am very novice when it comes to the Triple Lock but stumbled on one of the first models from seemingly close to the last years they shipped. This one shipped in July, 1916. The finish is really good except for the barrel which has lost a percentage of bluing on each side and this revolver is wearing stags also of the period with the dished tops. This seems to be an engineering masterpiece which indicates the Old American Pride and is certainly "Overbuilt" by today's standards. Not sure what they are worth but am very proud to own one! Am also very proud to be able to join with the other Triple Lock owners! Regards, smitholdtimer PS, thanks for a very interesting and educational topic!
My compliments for acquiring a very nice first year Triple Lock with most all its original Nickel finish. I am very novice when it comes to the Triple Lock but stumbled on one of the first models from seemingly close to the last years they shipped. This one shipped in July, 1916. The finish is really good except for the barrel which has lost a percentage of bluing on each side and this revolver is wearing stags also of the period with the dished tops. This seems to be an engineering masterpiece which indicates the Old American Pride and is certainly "Overbuilt" by today's standards. Not sure what they are worth but am very proud to own one! Am also very proud to be able to join with the other Triple Lock owners! Regards, smitholdtimer PS, thanks for a very interesting and educational topic!
Last edited:
rburg
Member
I'm thinking its a mistake to quote exact numbers produced. I seem to remember seeing a 2nd model with a number lower than "possible". 
Maybe the often quoted change in serials to 2nd models shouldn't be taken as the number of T/Ls produced. Also, don't forget the 5200 or so produced for the Brits in 455 caliber. It brings the number up to about 20,000 when you include the club guns and other odd/non-comforming serials.
They really are nice revolvers. Not real hard to locate at the larger gun shows around here. Sometimes the prices are pretty reasonable. In a week and a half we'll have National Gun Day in Louisville. I'd bet there will be a half dozen or so available.
Finding the correct grips may be an interesting quest. The early ones didn't have medallions. They were concaved in the stock circle. The later ones have gold medallions. BIS45 can make you an excellent set (better wood than the factory, too). If you locate a ratty set of K's, buy them for the gold medallions.
Maybe the often quoted change in serials to 2nd models shouldn't be taken as the number of T/Ls produced. Also, don't forget the 5200 or so produced for the Brits in 455 caliber. It brings the number up to about 20,000 when you include the club guns and other odd/non-comforming serials.They really are nice revolvers. Not real hard to locate at the larger gun shows around here. Sometimes the prices are pretty reasonable. In a week and a half we'll have National Gun Day in Louisville. I'd bet there will be a half dozen or so available.
Finding the correct grips may be an interesting quest. The early ones didn't have medallions. They were concaved in the stock circle. The later ones have gold medallions. BIS45 can make you an excellent set (better wood than the factory, too). If you locate a ratty set of K's, buy them for the gold medallions.
DBWesson
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That is a nice T Lock. I would keep the grips on it, after all they look period and the Walnut grips would be replacements to.
My lowest numbers are.
# 49 .455 Commercial October 1, 1914 Wilkinson Sword Co. London
# 25 .44 Special October 28, 1909 Schmelzer & Son Kansas City, MO
I think that Smith held back some of their very low numbers because they did not want Colt to know how many guns were being sold.
Last spring at the S&W Convention there was a display of 108 T Locks.
Last weekend at the Santa Barbara Show there was a display of 80 + T Locks.
DB Wesson
#956
My lowest numbers are.
# 49 .455 Commercial October 1, 1914 Wilkinson Sword Co. London
# 25 .44 Special October 28, 1909 Schmelzer & Son Kansas City, MO
I think that Smith held back some of their very low numbers because they did not want Colt to know how many guns were being sold.
Last spring at the S&W Convention there was a display of 108 T Locks.
Last weekend at the Santa Barbara Show there was a display of 80 + T Locks.
DB Wesson
#956
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