.44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model 4 Inch Barrel Questions? Lettered to Wolf & Klar Co.

[OldK22]

Acquired what I believe to be a .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model with a 4 inch barrel manufactured in 1934 today. It was a walk in at a gun show along with a 1979 vintage 28-2 also a 4 inch barrel.
Yes I did purchase both for what I believe to be a very good price.
Anyway back to the 3rd Model. Has post war diamond magnas on it. Will have to see about getting a correct set of stocks. 44,000 serial number range. Barrel, cylinder, frame all matching numbers. 90% or better original blue left. Some blue loss under where the magnas touched above the grip frame and some holster wear. All pins are proud, no buggered screw heads, no pliers marks on the ejector rod, no rework marks on the grip frame, B marked in the barrel shroud, strong case colors on the patent dated hammer and trigger. Does not look to have been shot much at all.

1. Did the 4 inch barrels have the patent date information on the top of the barrel? This barrel is marked "Smith & Wesson" on the left side and ".44 S&W Special CTG" on the right side. No patent date information on top of the barrel.

2. Would the stocks for this 3rd Model be Diamond Service Stocks with the silver medallion?

Yes I am planning on lettering this 3rd Model. Letter in the mail in the morning. Sorry for the awful pictures but my camera technology is not good.

 

[crsides]

My 5 inch has the patent dates, my 4 inch does not.

 

[Texas Star]

Your photo skills are indeed limited, but your command of English made for a precise, informative post.

I only wish that everyone on this board had your descriptive abilities and knowledge of vintage handguns.

Congratulations on acquiring a fine gun. If I'd lived when it was new, I'd want it in my holster much of the time, when I didn't need a longer-ranged .357 Magnum or a quicker reloading Colt .45 auto.

I wouldn't throw out those Magna stocks if you even might shoot the gun. The prior owner installed them for a good reason! Also, if they left marks in the finish, you don't want smaller service stocks revealing that. Or, I wouldn't.

Of course, you may drink Earl Grey tea, while I prefer a good Ceylon or Darjeeling. And it's your gun.

 

[Hondo44]

The gun is from 1932. Only Diamond Service Stocks with the silver medallions were available then.

No Magnas for another couple of years. The right stocks won't be easy to find or cheap in nice enough condition to match the lack of wear on the gun, but they're out there.

I'd estimate less than about 20,000 pairs made. You'll find recessed gold plated medallion svc stocks from 1910 to 1920 easier and they'll fit your 44; there'a about 95,000 pairs out there.

 

[andy52]

4 inch 3rd model July 31, 1931. No patent on top of barrel, correct stocks.

 

[daddio202]

Nice gun the OP found and in great shape. I noticed the diamond magnas sitting in the background and in the pictures it looks to me like the grips do not match each other. The shade looks darker on one and the lighter one has more of a grain pattern. I have bought a few guns with similar mismatched magnas. N frame service stocks in nice condition are not cheap but do come along every now and then. Maybe with a little luck a member will contact the OP with a pair for sale. That is exactly how I got my service stocks for my K22 Outdoorsman. Incredibly nice folks on this site. Good luck and do not to forget to give us a range report on that beauty!

 

[The Gila Bender]

Very desirable 3rd Model, OldK22, well done! This set of stocks, numbered 45486, should be period correct. About 1935, IIRC.
Photos courtesy of our good friend Dan M.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm envious. I've had a 3rd Model .44 HE on my wish list for many years. My problem is that on the very rare occasion that I run into one. its either too expensive or I just don't have the money.
You had that one walk right up to you. I wish I was that lucky.

 

[OldK22]

Thank you all for the information on the barrel marking and the stocks. I have a nice set that came off a 455 MKII with the recessed gold S&W emblems that I can use or a set of black hard rubber service stocks until a set of the correct service stocks come along. If I decide to sell off the 28-2 and the Diamond Magnas I will only have $150 in the third model so I can justify putting the correct stocks on it. It was a good buying show for me as I also purchased a Satin Nickel Series 70 Government model and a Colt Camp Perry 75th anniversary Series 70 National Match.

 

[Muley Gil]

"...a set of black hard rubber service stocks until a set of the correct service stocks come along."

To the best of my knowledge, there were no hard rubber grips for the N frame, except maybe the new made after market one. I would keep the diamond Magnas for shooting. They feel good, at least in my hand.

 

[quinn]

The stuff dreams are made of... ataboy!

 

[Art Doc]

Nice gun. If you plan to shoot it you will likely find the old Service style uncomfortable in recoil. If you want it correct for display purposes then no problem.

 

[OldK22]

Muley Gil yes the hard rubber service stocks are aftermarket. Came out of a shop that has been closed for 20+ years. Look like they were cast off of an original used set of wood stocks. Posted a WTB add for a correct set and already have a reply. Should have correct stocks on the 3rd model soon. Figure the letter will be 6 to 8 weeks.

 

[les.b]

Thank you for sharing with us. That is a beautiful, scarce gun in what appears to be very nice condition, at a reasonable price.

Best Regards, Les

 

[OldK22]

A forum member sold me a set of period correct stocks. IMHO they look better than the post war magnas that were on it. They also fit my small hands better.

 

[ABPOS]

I think I'm in love.

 

[The Gila Bender]

That is sweet! Nicely done OldK22!

 

[OldK22]

Received my letter - No real surprise that the gun was delivered to Wolf & Klar Co., Fort Worth, Texas. Shipped October 16, 1934. Shipment contained 20 units all in 4 inch, blue, walnut silver medallion square butt grips like mine. Billed at the wholesale price of $21.90 each.