2nd Model HE 44 special - price inquiry

[tominboise]

Local ad for a second model HE 44 Spec. Is this price in the ball park for a revolver in this condition.

Text of ad:
"FOR SALE: 44 SPECIAL 2nd Model Hand Ejector, Blue, 6.5 Inch, Serial #191xx This old girl was 100 years old in April of 2023. Ship date according to the Smith & Wesson Factory Historian: "44 H. E. 2nd Model serial 191xx was shipped in April 1923." $650 CASH ONLY, No Trades, No Cashier's Checks The gun has been in the safe for too long and needs a new home. It has some honest wear and a very good bore. The lock-up and timing are solid. I am not sure if it has been re-blued but given the soft roll mark on one the right side, possibly. I shot this revolver with some Black Hills cowboy action loads, and it shot straight. The original case colors are mostly intact."

 

[tominboise]

More photos

 

[DARE]

Strikes me as high, especially because not wearing correct grips. Not an expert so take my opinion with plenty of salt.
Here is mine from 1926 that has been refinished, but has correct grips.

Think I paid around $150 for the grips.

 

[dwh]

I paid $700 for mine about a year ago. I came with Herret shooting star grips and was missing the butt swivel. Mines has wear at the muzzle and the high spots. That one definitely looks reblued.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I would snap that up before it is gone.

 

[quinn]

A few observations:
Getting correct grips can be expensive... think $300 +/-
I'm not sure it has been reblued given than the case colors on hammer and trigger remain according to seller but not really visible in photos.
2nd 44s seem to be under valued in the market in my opinion so for a 44 shhoter they can be a bargain. The only difference between a 2nd and a 3rd model 44 is the barrel shroud over the ejector rod and about twice the price.

The seller's asking price is not outrageious, and you may have a little dicker room.

 

[Truckman]

I think there's one in our sales forum now listed at $750......Ben

 

[spin132]

I think there's one in our sales forum now listed at $750......Ben

Sheeee gone!

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[T44spl]

Not sure of current prices, but this gun appears to be an original finish 80% gun. Well shot & worn, missing the lanyard - see the cross pin in the butt frame, Pachmayr grips. Original grips would be the non medallion style as on Dare's gun. I think $600 is your wiggle room for negotiation.
The second model 44 special HE were always the red headed stepchildren of the 44 HE family. A similar gun in the first model or Triplelock or even the third model HE would run you over $1,000 so in this perspective I believe $600-$650 is fairly priced.
Again I'm out of touch with current prices so this information is worth what it cost you...

 

[2152hq]

Looks polished and reblued to me. Soft edges all around on the frame.
The cylinder may have escaped a polish job.

The rebound slide 'pin' on the LH side looks like the top portion of the normally domed surfaced pin is polished flat.

I don't know what current values may be on these.

I think some had service style grips checkered w/o any medallions. Later style(?) w/ medallions. My non collector total amt of knowledge..
Likely you'll pay dearly for either.

 

[raljr1]

I am not seeing a refinish. A well worn 44. If it is tight, I think it is well worth $650... given its condition, i would not fret the grips. I would find some decen wood grips whether period correct or not.

Robert

 

[Muley Gil]

I say refinished. In today's market, I would go $600.

 

[handejector]

It was reblued a long time ago. WAY above average job. The case colors have been touched up with a chemical coloring process.
In today's market, he'll get the 650.

 

[rct269]

To give you an idea of the top end, my .44 H.E. 2nd Target sold for $5,300 within the last 3++ years---as new, with THE box.

It was one hell of bargain starting out, having been one of 39 identical units very obviously sold as a closeout deal for $17 dollars each----all going to a New York City distributor. Given S&W's cost to make a Registered Magnum was $17, it figures these guns cost them maybe $16 to make.

Ralph Tremaine