Hand Elector 3rd Model .44

[quincybob3343]

I have a HE 3rd model .44, 5 inch barrel, serial number 41,3XX. Can someone give an approximate date of manufacture?
The HE has magna grips with silver medallions and diamonds around the grip screw. Are they the correct grips?
Gun has been reblued (plum colored cylinder?) but makings are sharp.
Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[dacoontz]

Early summer 1932. If they are the magnas with large medallions then yes they are correct period for that gun. How about some pics? We love pics of old 44 HE's.

 

[Muley Gil]

"If they are the magnas with large medallions then yes they are correct period for that gun."

Magnas weren't produced until the mid 1930s. Check the serial number stamped on the inside of the grips. Of course, they could have been added at the factory at a later date than the revolver originally shipped.

Are there any rework stamps, like a star stamped after the serial number or dates stamped on the frame, under the grips? For example, a revolver that went back to S&W in February 1942 would be stamped "2.42".

 

[dacoontz]

My bad. Magnas introduced in 1935 per the book.

 

[Hondo44]

Those Magnas are very valuable! They're not Service grips (round top) are they?

 

[Dave T]

Can't give you any additional information but I can tell you I am green with envy. A 5" 3rd Model HE 44 is a great find/acquisition. I wouldn't be bothered in the least by the reblue either. (smile)

Congratulations,
Dave

 

[quincybob3343]

Hand Ejector 3rd model

Thanks for the information.
The reblue was not done at the factory but is an excellent job.
The stocks have the large silver medallions. The right stock is numbered
66 over 227. Stocks do not match gun.
So these stocks could be correct for the gun?
I will try for pictures.

 

[Hondo44]

The stocks have the large silver medallions. The right stock is numbered
66 over 227. Stocks do not match gun.
So these stocks could be correct for the gun?
I will try for pictures.

No, they are from the post war about 1947 period and are Magnas with curved nickel medallions most likely. The correct grips are the shorter Service grips with flat silver, 1/2" medallions.

 

[dacoontz]

Although, if they are the large medallion magnas then they'd probably be worth more than the stocks you would actually need for your gun. I believe the large medallion magnas have the silver washers that have writing on the back of them as opposed to the later magnas with smaller medallions that have plain black washers. Which ones are they?

 

[GLL]

Do your magnas look like these? Based on the serial number I am guessing they do. Note the pronounced "ridge or shelf" at the top of the horn. These are "transitional" post-war versions.

If you ever find the correct pre-war grips for your gun I would be interested in buying the 66227 grips !

Jerry