2nd Model 44 Grip Question

[quinn]

When I bought this Second Model 44 it was only my second pre-war S&W (it followed a battered Brazilian). The grips were gorgeous, and the gun is quite nice. I posted photos on the forum and was informed that the grips were probably older than the gun--therefore, although beautiful--not correct. I have spent a couple of years watching for what I understand is the correct style. Recently, this pair popped up in the classifieds, here. Fortunately, I was first in line. The letter that I got on the 44 shows it was shipped Jan. 14, 1924, to Huntington, WV. SCSW shows the SN would have been issued very close to that time so it didn't sit on the shelf for long.

So, if my first question is: are these the correct grips? My second question is: if this style spanned roughly 10 years of production, why are they so hard to find?
Third question is: I see many photos of 2nd 44's on the forum and other places, wearing the recessed medallion grips. How does that happen?

The lower left photo shows the 44 as I acquired it. Thanks.

 

[Toyman]

Here is my 2nd model 21567 shipped November 1923 same grips as yours.

 

[50coupe]

FYI. My recent 2nd model purchase, 6 1/2 blue, twin to yours (192XX...1922?) has the non medallion grips that are pencil number matching.

 

[410bore]

Randy, you need a domed rear sideplate screw to replace that flat one. Someone must have had target grips or magnas on it at one time and put a flat screw in so they would fit correctly.

 

[Hondo44]

Yes, those are definitely the correct style grips for your 2nd Model.

• Gold plated over brass recessed stock medallions on concave premium stocks like MOP and ivory, but not on wood stocks were used until 1910, then used on all stocks thru 1920. No medallions in wood stocks again starting ~ 1920 until Gold plate over brass medallions ordered reinstated but in 'convex' wood stocks 2/11/1929, 3/18/29 changed to flush mounted, flat gold plated, and then finally changed April 1929 to flush mounted, flat chrome plated over brass thru WW II.

 

[WCCPHD]

Mine have the same grips and they number to the gun.