Sweatin' Tonite...44 HE 2nd Model 5" (Picked it up, updated photos)

[EarlB]

This forum, this hobby and that darn SCSW book is going to be the financial ruin of me...

I kind of wasn't expecting to win this one, but I did. I'm taking a gamble due to the poor quality pics. At least I haven't paid yet and they are close enough that I'm driving there tomorrow to do the deal, so will flee if it isn't right.

It appears to be a matching but honest wear 2nd Model .44 Hand Ejector with a 5" barrel. On the phone they would confirm that the barrel, cylinder and frame matched (S#26172) so that puts it in the 1926 timeframe. They wouldn't remove the stocks so don't know yet if they match or if there are any return markings on the frame or gun (hence the gamble). This seller is no Sarah15 or Woodlawn Boys that's for sure..I'm going to strike out on gambling one day, hopefully not tomorrow.

Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 2nd model .44spl - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 802005759

This will be the perfect match to the same period Saint Louis PD M&P 4th Change that I posted yesterday and another addition to the .44 Posse..

Earl

 

[22/32 JDF]

Earl Funny I looked at it this am also. Looks pretty good. JIM

 

[Messer]

Congratulations - and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

I know you'll let us know more as soon as you can.

Bob S.

 

[bluetopper]

I'm an hour north of there. Some wear but not from shooting. Hope it's everything you want.

 

[EarlB]

I actually like them with wear like that especially if they are police guns. I'll have to letter this one in case it shows going to a LEO. In North Texas though and that time frame it could fall into the Wolf and Klar hole (still not a bad thing). I would think that barrel length is legit as these front sites are forged, can't just pop them off and on. Earl

 

[Thinnes]

Nice going Earl. Is it a 4 or 5 inch barrel? Their ad says 4 inch. Either would be unusual. Good catch. Dave

 

[Waveski]

I generally do not bid on items from sellers who state 'no return/no refund ".
Best of luck , let us know.

 

[handejector]

Looks pretty righteous to me.

 

[SDH]

It's really pretty rough, and overpriced, IMO.It got zero bids first time around.
I thought about it but
I'm trying not to support those that think there is no price to high.

 

[EarlB]

It's a 5 inch, so according to the book scarce not as uncommon as the rare 4 inch.

Waveski, I don't normally do business with sellers that do AS IS No Returns either, but in this case he's not getting my money if it doesn't pass a hands on exam.

SDH, As far as rough and overpriced, price is subjective. I haven't seen any 5" 2nd models priced cheaper recently. And these guns came from a time where they were used. As long as they aren't abused, that's ok with me. Especially if I might be able to determine LEO provenance. I gave $850 for my 6-1/2" Washington State Patrol 2nd Model that is in better condition but that one had been back to the factory for refinish and repair. This price didn't seem out of line to me for a 5 inch. I hadn't caught it the first time thru. What was it listed at that first time?


Earl

Nice going Earl. Is it a 4 or 5 inch barrel? Their ad says 4 inch. Either would be unusual. Good catch. Dave

 

[Waveski]

It's true that you have the opportunity to walk away ; that's a nice position to be in. Aside from your time all you are risking is a negative feedback on Gunbroker , not all that big a deal for a buyer.
Good luck tomorrow.

 

[beagleye]

Good snag IMHO. I was watching that one. If it is as it appears I don't think that's overpriced at all, pre war 44 original finish, c'mon, $1000 is low end, and if it was third model, it would have been 2x,(and for what? few extra oz). i can't wait to see some better pics and a range report.

 

[Green Frog]

I hope it's just the lighting and angle, but the barrel right about at the front locking lug looks like it has some extra curves... I really hope it isn't bulged there, but I would check it carefully. Otherwise, looks like a good example of a working Texan's working gun.

Froggie

 

[22hipower]

Looks pretty good, bet the stocks match. Always wonder about those with the odd wear, not from carrying for sure. This one is a little older, 1923 I think, ridden hard, but still shoots fine. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[LLOYD17]

You'll like that one Earl. I've got more into mine and it's got initials scratched into it. These shorter barrels don't pop up very often so the time to buy is when you see it. And I call that workin' gun wear which I value way more than an untouched safe queen you can't shoot.

 

[H Richard]

I think you will come out good on that deal.

 

[rct269]

I generally do not bid on items from sellers who state 'no return/no refund ".
Best of luck , let us know.

Only generally??

Ralph Tremaine

 

[SDH]

First time around it was listed at the same $995 with no bids. I was surprised to see any bids this time.

I guess I'm in the minority here, and most of you agree with and support the dealers that think if it is an S&W, cal .44Sp they will bid early and often, no return clause is needed and condition isn't particularly important. Someone will buy it.

Just keep saying, "you can only buy too early". All it takes is money.

Now $850 for a factory refinished WA State, I'd buy that one...

While I'm ranting; what about all those guys that start bidding the moment the auction is posted, keep bidding each other up full well knowing some one else is going to come along and out bid them. These are the guys that haven't bought an auction gun in years. Same names over and over but never bidding on the final day of the auction?
I don't generally start bidding until the last 15 minutes...isn't that the way an auction is supposed to work?

 

[handejector]

I like the 5" 44-2nd. But, then I like just about ANY 5". But, then again, I like almost ANY 44 Special.......


Below is a rehash of a post I made last year-


Below is an interesting 5". EARLY gun shipped Nov, 1916, ser # 146XX. I believe there are a few Triple Locks with numbers higher than that. This is within 75 numbers of the LOWEST numbered 44-2nd that Roy has seen. You will never see many 44-2nds that originally had Gold Medallion grips because not that many were made before medallions were dropped after WW I. Like a dummy, I sold this gun when money was tight.

Another I have owned. Can't remember where, when, or why it went away.

One I sold for somebody (I think. Maybe I owned it.)

Three I currently own in the pic below.

Gun on Top- #2430X - 12-31-1925 is the most recent I bought because it is the nicest, is a round top leftover 1917 frame with a swivel, and was already lettered.

The two on bottom are very interesting because they bracket THREE major changes. Both are completely original flat tops, but note these three points:

Gun on Left- # 3055X - May, 1928
Mushroom Knob
Smooth Trigger
Original Non Medallion Grips

Gun on Right- # 3355X - Feb, 1930
Barrel Knob
Grooved Trigger
Original Silver Medallion Grips
This gun came from the estate of a rancher in western OK. It shows the wear. There are 3 notches on this gun. Your guess is as good as mine on 3 what?

These two guns on the bottom are exactly 3001 numbers apart, so we have three major changes bracketed inside those numbers. Of COURSE you should expect to find exceptions outside the bracket!

 

[EarlB]

I did get it. Will post up some better pics when I get home and clean it. It is all matching and original including the stocks.