My first engraved revolver, .44 Hand Ejector Military Model of 1950

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Every time RKmesa posts photos of a specimen from his phenomenal collection I always think to myself, "Yeah, that's just not something I have the resources for" and admire from my computer screen.

But as with all things in life sometimes the planets align and you have something unexpected fall in your lap.

I was browsing Guns America of all places not long ago (which is a terrible sight to navigate) and stumbled across an engraved .44 Hand Ejector Military Model of 1950. The price tag on it was $1500 and the photos weren't bad at all. It was sitting in a pawn shop in Missouri so I called and talked to the guy there who told me that they had been sitting on it for 3 years. After some back and forth he offered it to me for $1300 all inclusive. I decided to jump on the deal because Military Models rarely come along and this one was engraved to boot. I didn't have any engraved guns.

Done deal!

After I received the pistol from my FFL I started doing some research on it and apparently it went on an Amoskeag auction back in 2020 for $1680 to somebody and was listed as coming from the Richard "Stretch" Kennedy collection.

Doing some research on him, he was a lifelong politician that served the New Hampshire legislature as a congressman and was quite active in 2nd amendment issues.

The engraving was done by Al Kontout of Waterbury. CT. who according to the internet learned his craft from master engravers at Winchester.

When I first received the revolver I really didn't know what I should do next as it is "in the white", so I reached out for RKmesa. In response to my fledging inquiry of what should I "do" with my new toy, he said, "Flitz, Ren Wax and enjoy it"!

So I did that.

I've spent FAR more for other guns.

I'm really happy with this and what I paid for it.

Photos forthcoming and I have an entirely new appreciation for how difficult it is to get decent photos of a white engraved revolver. This thread will be fairly photo dense so sit back and enjoy.


-Craig
 
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First few photos.

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Craig, nice buy. I don't visit that GA site, a good thing too as I'd have paid the $1500 asking price as soon as I saw it. As you probably know, it's a scarce gun even without the engraving with only about 1200 of them built if memory serves. I have a couple but both refinished in nickel.

I like the engraving although I'm not sure about the handiwork on the stocks; maybe some better pictures of those? Never heard of that engraver but I'll watch for him in the future. Nice catch and thanks for sharing it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
Craig, nice buy. I don't visit that GA site, a good thing too as I'd have paid the $1500 asking price as soon as I saw it. As you probably know, it's a scarce gun even without the engraving with only about 1200 of them built if memory serves. I have a couple but both refinished in nickel.

I like the engraving although I'm not sure about the handiwork on the stocks; maybe some better pictures of those? Never heard of that engraver but I'll watch for him in the future. Nice catch and thanks for sharing it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457



Thanks Jeff I'm super happy with my money spent. These stocks are funky and they don't number to the gun.

Here's the 2020 Amoskeag listing of this gun where they describe the stocks:

The checkered walnut Magna grips with silver S&W medallions have also been customized and carved with an interesting reptilian pattern remaining in otherwise very fine condition showing a few light dings and handling marks.

Engraved Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model Revolver by Al Kontout
 
A few more.

REALLY challenging to photograph. Absolutely could not get a good photo indoors and fortunately it’s in and out of overcast today.

I ordered a light box because of this gun!

😂


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