44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model

[OldK22]

Looked at a 44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model today. Circa 1917 with markings from the New York State Fish and Game Department. Probably 80%. Stocks look like the smooth style found on the 1917 military revolvers. Did not pull the stocks but will tomorrow. Seller wants $1100 for it. Deal or no Deal?

 

[delta-419]

Condition?

Price is contingent on condition, condition, and condition. Has it been refinished; excellent mechanical functioning (timing, smooth trigger let off, no push off, no end shake, case colors on hammer and trigger) do all numbers match (cylinder, barrel, butt, back of ejector star, inside of right grip). Finish, high polish blue or nickel condition of 90+%. The price is about right if all of the above falls in place.

 

[opoefc]

80%Nickel or 80% blue ? barrel length? Target sights or not? Mechanical condition? Refinish ? Lanyard swivel ? Smooth stocks are incorrect. Pls. Post photos, as we don't have enough info to guess at value. Ed.

 

[OldK22]

80% Blue (looked original but I will look closer tomorrow with a good light and a glass) - Not a target model - no lanyard loop - 6 1/2 inch barrel I think as I did not measure it - Figured the stocks were not correct unless it was ordered that way for the department - Mechanically correct - I know a letter will be needed if I end up purchasing it. No pictures as I do not have a came capable phone.

 

[DocB]

Sounds like one that didn't get sent off to war. I got this one a few weeks back. Very low SN made in 1917. Got left behind. Turned into a commercial gun in the 1920's. Got left behind again because of the Great Depression. Finally shipped to Brazil in 1946 to complete their old 1937 contract. 30 years sitting around the factory. I paid a little over $300 for it. Is this particular gun an $1100 gun? Absolutely! Did I pay $1100 for it? Obviously, I did not! I would say "no deal" on the one you are looking at unless it's a 95% gun which it doesn't appear to be. This one I picked up is as close to unfired as you can get.

 

[Muley Gil]

Hey Doc,

The revolver the OP is discussing is a 2nd model .44, not a .45 1917.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Value and condition comparison.
Last September I was the sole bidder at $675 for this 44HE 2nd 5" lettered 12/8/26 to Belknap Hardware in Louisville, KY. Sometime later I replaced the modern stocks with a set of ~1930's medallion service stocks, courtesy of Dan M. It ain't especially pretty but it is original finish, rare barrel length, mechanically sound and very tight with a good bore -- and lettered. Someone maintained it well. Seller said it came out of a private collection in PA. (Photos are from the original GB posting by seller "WaffenUS").

 

[delta-419]

Second Model 44

Just so you will have something to compare, this 5" 44spl was a $200 gun from a gun show in MS. I bought it for parts but ended up putting in another $75, fixing the timing, end shake, and carry up. It is a great shooter. This one will win the ugly gun contest hands down.

 

[The Gila Bender]

It is a great shooter. This one will win the ugly gun contest hands down.
http://s132.photobucket.com/user/Delta-419/media/PICT1754.jpg.html

Oh boy, you got that right! Ha!

 

[OldK22]

I looked at it again this morning before the show started and it has been re-blued. Pulled the stocks and there is some poorly etched NY and some numbers that look like an old DL # on the frame under the stocks and scratched into the stocks is Capt Hill and some numbers. There is a P and 3 numbers stamped on the Butt by the Serial number. Seller said it was a NY State Police Gun. I thought the NY State Police 2nd Model 44s had lanyard loops? Any way I passed on the purchase and the story. I see that someone else purchased the revolver and has started another thread asking questions about it.