Value of Smith and Wesson 44 Special CTG

[tallie464]

Hello. I have a Smith and Wession 44 Special CTG. Hand Ejector. Serial# 34470. Model# 59635. Approx 4-7/8" barrel length. Hand Ejector Fixed Sight. I have attached pictures. Does anyone know the value of this gun? I would appreciate any thoughts about the condition as well.

 

[mikepriwer]

A bit more information would help. Remove the grips, and get a couple good pictures
of the grip frame - one on each side. Also, look in the extractor rod housing for anything
that looks like a B or an N. On the grip straps, we are looking for either of those two
letters, as well as a <> diamond symbol, or a date, like 6.1922. These questions are
all about trying to determine if the nickel finish is original.

Also measure the length of the barrel from the front face of the cylinder to the muzzle.
Its probably a 5" barrel. 4 7/8 is possible for a 5".

There is some surface damage, but these guns are scarce and they do have a large
following. I don't follow their pricing, but lots of others do.

Mike Priwer

 

[Jaymo]

Don't know what it's worth, but I sure do like it.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum. Nice old 44 you got there. Someone will be along to help with value.
We love to hear about these old S&Ws. Where they been, where they came from, any family connection. If you care to share.

Any markings on the old holster?

 

[22hipower]

3rd Model HE (Model of 1926), possibly a Wolf & Klar. If you use the search function you'll find quite a bit of information. Here's a link to one of those posts:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...7862-44-wolf-klar-3rd-model-hand-ejector.html

As to value, originality is the key. Even if refinished I would think it should be in the $1000-$1500 range. The questions mikepriwer asked above will help with determining if it is in original condition. Probably worth the $50 for a S&W letter although be prepared to wait four months or so to get one. I have 38302 which shipped to W&K in July of 1931 so yours is probably a few years earlier. Nice gun and they don't show up very often, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Wiregrassguy]

S&W produced the first .44 Special revolvers with the shrouded ejector rod and also a 3rd cylinder lock in front of the cylinder. We call them triple locks. They quit making them during WWI at the urging of the British and transitioned to the 2nd Model which has no shroud. Wolf & Klar was a major seller of S&W guns and they wanted a shrouded version. So, in 1926, S&W reintroduced them as the 3rd Model and sold most directly to W&K. They didn't even catalog the 3rd Model for many years...they were special order. I suppose that is why they draw more collector interest than the 2nd Models.

BTW, the number you call the model number is actually an assembly number used to keep fitted parts together at the factory. S&W didn't start issuing Model numbers until 1957. Your gun is known as the .44 Military, 3rd Model or, in the collector world, the .44 Hand Ejector, Model of 1926. In 1957 it became the Model 21.

 

[handejector]

A decent old 44-3rd.
The finish is original.
The pearls are not Factory, but they've probably been on it since it was new, or at least very young. They are typical for the period.

This is not the gun that became the Model 21. The Model 21 was the 1950 Model which has a short action.
The Pre-war guns have long actions.

I love the old holster.
That outfit should bring 1500 any day.

 

[Goblin]

I also like the package with that holster. A great classic setup.

 

[OFT II]

32846 shipped in March of 1929 so your gun likely shipped later that year. Nice revolver.

 

[gmborkovic]

I can see that gun and holster on the hip of a rancher out west. What a beautiful old, honest gun. That gun got heaped with character. Maybe was owned by a guy who was a neighbor of Elmer Keith. Good story.