Info and value, help please!

[TKH0402]

Hi all, first post here. Been a spectator off and on and appreciate the expertise of those who participate. I'd like to tap into that knowledge; I could use some help in valuing this revolver.

Belongs to a friend, he got if from his grandpa who had a cattle ranch in New Mexico. Story is grandpa got it when he was a kid from a cowboy who was moving cattle from Texas to New Mexico. My friend needs money, I need (not really) another cool revolver. (Even though I can't verify the story, I'm still going to believe it 'cause it's cool!)

Here is what I think this is- .44 Special Hand Ejector, 3rd model, 4 inch blued, manuf around 1927?

Serial # is 29***

Grips are a carved steer-head with red ruby(?) eyes. Or eye, as one is missing....

Are these Wolf and Klar grips? There are no markings on the inside of the panels. If so, do they add value to the gun or credence to the story?

Am I correct in my identification?

Any insight you can provide would be appreciated, especially as to the value and the history.

Thanks!

 

[SAFireman]

Looks to be a 3rd Model HE aka Wolf & Klar 44spl.

The gun would likely bring $2500 or so and the stocks $450-650 if he wasn't a one-eyed steer.

Neat gun BTW & Welcome!

 

[Hondo44]

Yep, officially by the factory labeled the ".44 Military Model of 1926".

 

[Waveski]

Great debut!

 

[Summersteel]

Beautiful gun! With 4" barrel……nice!
I love those 3rd model .44's..

 

[quinn]

Now that is a pretty durn great first post. I'm a hard core Wolf & Klar guy. I have serial number 283xx, a nickel 5' version which shipped to W&K in March, 1927 in the second shipment to them of this then, new model. I, also have a similar set of grips by W&K, and they have a Roman number scratched on the inside of the panels. Enjoy that one!

 

[handejector]

A great gun! Good story, too.

Would you show a pic of the top of the frame please? I'm curious if it a round top.
The 4" is scarce. The grips look great. If you care to clean the steer up, try a tooth brush and some Dawn detergent. Take it off the gun first. I do think they are W&K grips even without any marking.

Most pawn shops have lots of small rubies, diamonds, and sapphires they pull out of scrap rings. You should be able to buy a ruby for $5-10. Take just the grip with you so you can match the size or he'll look a bit odd.
Yep, I agree with SAFireman- That's a $3000 package.

 

[22hipower]

Great gun, great story, and welcome to the Forum. Here's my four inch that shipped in July of 1931 to Wolf & Klar. The steer head MOPs were added recently and I've included a picture of the original service stocks which are numbered to the gun. The steer head MOPS from W&K that I've seen all had roman numerals carved in to the back sides although, as Lee says, they could still be W&K. Yours originally likely had service stocks without the medallion. Here's a picture of the W&K building which long ago disappeared from downtown Fort Worth.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

IMG_3176 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/, on Flickr

IMG_3175 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/, on Flickr

Stocks 1926 44 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/, on Flickr

16473489_1242000232520891_4313259524315471436_n by https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/, on Flickr

 

[SS336]

I agree, that is one cool revolver. They say buy the gun not the story but this one has just the right patina to make the story believable.
Great revolver that is not very common, thanks for posting it. Hope you can add it to your collection.

 

[Inusuit]

No idea on the story. Patina seems to match. It is a beautiful revolver. I would like to own it or one like it.

 

[Dosgatos]

The bottom gun #29179 letters as part of a shipment of 150 guns to Wolf & Klar on April 16, 1927, billed at $21.90 each. The top gun (#34451) is not lettered but shipped in April of 1930, and I'd bet it went to Wolf & Klar based on the grips and the "pawnshop" engraving. As mentioned, the grips have the roman numeral "II" on the back of both panels.

UPDATE: #29179 is a round top. #34451 is a flat top.

 

[TKH0402]

Thanks!

Thanks to all of you for your help.

I'm posting a few more pictures as requested.

Handejector, I would call the top of the frame round.

I also discovered what I believe is the Roman numeral "1" on the inside of each grip panel. I would have completely overlooked it had it not been for the suggestions. I thought it was just unintentional or a flaw but since it appears in the same place on both grip panels I'm assuming it's intentional and it's a "1"

Thanks again all! I appreciate everyone's willingness to share their expertise.

 

[Thinnes]

Well…

Your friend needs the $ and it's a heck of a cool gun! Have you done the deal?? Dave

 

[Kansasgunner]

Very cool revolver and grips! and original finish. As Thinnes, said buy that gun. My 4" Wolf & Klar didn't ship until 1940 and has had a much rougher life.

 

[22hipower]

I also discovered what I believe is the Roman numeral "1" on the inside of each grip panel. I would have completely overlooked it had it not been for the suggestions. I thought it was just unintentional or a flaw but since it appears in the same place on both grip panels I'm assuming it's intentional and it's a "1"

Yes, agree, definitely W&K stocks. Never have been able to confirm that W&K actually carved the stocks or whether they sourced them elsewhere (Mexico?) already carved.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[handejector]

Handejector, I would call the top of the frame round.

Thanks. I thought it might be. They would soon go to flat top frames, so only early 1926s have round tops.

I also discovered what I believe is the Roman numeral "1" on the inside of each grip panel.

What'd I say?
I've had enough W&K grips to recognize that square snouted steer. The same guy apparently carved em all.