Help ID my great-grandfather S&W revolver

[LATD]

Good afternoon S&W community

I posted this on reddit and someone told me I have a better change of getting an accurate answer here.

I read the guide to post ID threads, here is all the info I have.

1 Type: Hand ejector

2 Serial number: 11253

3 Caliber: 44 S&W SPECIAL CTG

4 Barrel length: 5 in

5 Sights: Hand ejector fixed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SVT28]

Wow what an entrance. I wonder how many first posts in 2020 were people showing off Triple Locks, registered/unregistered magnums, etc.

OP, your great grandfather had excellent tastes. What you have is a Smith and Wesson New Century also known as a Triple Lock. Hondo will be along shortly but I'll go ahead and mention that your revolver is in excellent condition, seldom seen nowadays. The 5" barrel is awesome as well. Does it also have its original wood stocks somewhere? Your pistol is one of, if not the finest revolvers S&W ever made.

SVT28

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Those grips are nice on that classic

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

STOCKS

Love that one. Stocks are fantastic in my book. Wonderful piece. CONGRATS!!!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to The Forum from the Wiregrass! What a wonderful inheritance! I recommend getting a historians letter of authenticity on your gun. It costs $100 from the S&W historical Foundation. It will be worth it as your gun is very valuable.

Guy

 

[JP@AK]

Guy is right on target. That is a wonderful piece to inherit. And it is in fine shape with some wonderful stocks (even though not original).

If you can possibly do so, get this gun lettered. It is easily worth the $100 the letter will cost you, and you will learn when the gun left Springfield and to whom it was shipped.

 

[LATD]

Wow what an entrance. I wonder how many first posts in 2020 were people showing off Triple Locks, registered/unregistered magnums, etc.

OP, your great grandfather had excellent tastes. What you have is a Smith and Wesson New Century also known as a Triple Lock. Hondo will be along shortly but I'll go ahead and mention that your revolver is in excellent condition, seldom seen nowadays. The 5" barrel is awesome as well. Does it also have its original wood stocks somewhere? Your pistol is one of, if not the finest revolvers S&W ever made.

SVT28

Wow I had no idea this was a classic, I could tell it was a nice gun because the craftsmanship is amazing. Sadly we don't have the original wood stocks, all we have is an old leather holster.

The gun has been on the holster on a drawer since the original owner died in the 1950s.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Take the gun out of the holster. Leather can absorb moisture and cause the gun to rust. I know it hasn't happened oh, but don't risk it. The holster also has value. You might want to use BlackRock leather n rich to keep the holster supplent.

Guy

 

[LATD]

Good afternoon S&W community

I posted this on reddit and someone told me I have a better change of getting an accurate answer here.

I read the guide to post ID threads, here is all the info I have.

1 Type: Hand ejector

2 Serial number: 11253

3 Caliber: 44 S&W SPECIAL CTG

4 Barrel length: 5 in

5 Sights: Hand ejector fixed.

Thanks in advance.

A couple more pictures.

 

[BigMuddy]

My oh my! I'm speechless.

Dan

 

[Jack Flash]

Beautiful and valuable.

Normally I am not really enthusiastic about getting a letter, but for yours it makes sense. I would guess it would sell for thousands. (Yes, plural). So the $100 letter is a small fraction of what it is worth and the letter may even enhance its value.

 

[SP45]

Yikes, beautiful gun. Get the letter, just because. You may find a set of grips but will be difficult to find them in the condition of the gun. Even if you do find them keep the stags, they are beautiful.

 

[4WHLDRFTN]

Don't leave it in the holster

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You probably have already received a number of PM on selling your gun. This is probably a five-figure gun or close to it and you should carefully consider the offers.

Guy

 

[weatherby]

I'm one who hopes you keep and treasure it.
Tell us about your great grandfather and yourself if inclined.

 

[Peak53]

LATD - You can't imagine the jealousy here! Yes, a few lucky members of this forum have similar examples, and everyone else wants one just like yours. The holster is very beautiful and interesting. I'm sure one of our leather experts will be along to give us more information about that.

The gun may need a careful cleaning, so proceed with care. If it checks out functionally, and I have no doubt it will, it can be shot with modern .44 Special "cowboy loads" which are readily available, if not a bit pricey. Cowboy loads with lead bullets, mostly 240 grains, are relatively low velocity and pressure and would not present a problem for your gun. I would steer clear of stouter loads that could be more of an issue for your aging gun.

Take care of it and I'm sure your own grandchildren will still be able to enjoy this fine revolver. My own SW odyssey began with research on this very forum about my great uncle's Model 3. That led me to learn about his life, the gun, and to a very expensive habit!

And any information you care to share about your grandfather would only add to the story. Be proud.

 

[LATD]

Hi Paul

The gun has been in the family for 4 generations and it is going to stay that way. It is amazing to know you own a piece of history specially in such great condition.

 

[LATD]

The leather work on the holster is interesting, the original owner was a Mexican charro (horseman/rancher) so there is something interesting about this gun.

 

[HOGSTR]

Beautiful gun and welcome to the forum. No way in the world I would consider selling that based on how it came to you. Get the letter!

 

[weatherby]

Hi Paul

The gun has been in the family for 4 generations and it is going to stay that way. It is amazing to know you own a piece of history specially in such great condition.

I'm limited to the one like but you got a bunch from me.
on that.
I am smiling right now.