Anyone give me a ballpark value. Won't be selling just would like to know what I have. Thanks!
Warren,
Your 44 appears to be an all original, very nice condition example!
With only 10 posts you may be wondering what the hell a W&K is. The 44 Model 1926 (3rd model) reintroduced the shrouded barrel of the triple lock at the behest of a large Texas S&W dealer, Wolf and Klar. Its Texas clientele preferred it over the 44 2nd model with just the barrel lug. Being a W&K would mean it actually shipped to W&K which is a plus for collector desirability but only a factory authentication letter will confirm that; $50 from Smith.
Just under 5000 of the 3rd model were produced pre WW II and another ~1500 post war Transitional models after the war and prior to the Model 1950 introduction. The 6 1/2" barrel on a non-target model is unusual.
Value is in the $2500 and up ballpark and who knows what it would bring in an On-line auction these days!
The 6 serial # locations on pre war non-target models are:
Gun butt* - or forestrap* on I frames with grips that cover the butt
Barrel** - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud
Yoke** - on rear face visible thru a chamber with a flashlight
Extractor star - backside
Cylinder - rear face
Right stock*** – backside
*NOTE: The one TRUE place you can be sure of reading the serial number, including letter prefixes (after WW II), is the BUTT of the gun, (or Front grip strap on non-round butt .22/32 & Regulation Police pre Model of 1953 I frames). The number on the butt may be drilled thru by the factory for installation of a lanyard ring but is re-stamped on the grip frame, under the left stock. Factory installed rings are always 1/10” forward of center.
Other multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke, yoke cut in frame near the hinge and inside of the sideplate, pre war and early post war; the frame # in the yoke cut, changing to the left side of grip frame after model #s were assigned and also serial #s were stamped in the yoke cut. You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3* locations that always match on guns that are original, and that’s the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory: still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased.
**NOTE: 'B' or 'N' stamp: ahead of pre war serial # on the barrel flat (or in shroud), rear face of yoke and by itself on right side grip frame on commercial guns (only on left side grip frame post war) indicates an original Blue finish or for an original Nickel finish based upon the corresponding letter. The lack of either the 'B' or 'N' can indicate that it left the factory nickeled. Also there was a larger B behind the barrel serial # for the Bright blue optional finish in the post war era - early ‘50s when satin blue was standard. “I've seen nickel Triple Locks with N stamps. I've seen them without it, too. Pre-war guns MAY have an N, or they may simply lack B's.” Regards, Lee Jarrett
The post war and the 1950s period, was one of much evolution. There was the usual transition when finish code letter stamps were dropped and frame code letter s/n prefixes began, when there were neither letter stamps on major parts (except the butt).
*** Stamped since 1857, stock #s changed to penciled #s c. 1900 and back to stamped #s in 1929. Usually scratched on hard rubber grips.
Hope that helps,
