Smith & Wesson S&W .44 Hand Ejector 1926 Wolf & Klar 3rd Model, Pre-WWII Blue 5″ 6-Shot DA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1928 C&R
Sold
LSB#: 170224JH01
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model of 1926 Hand Ejector, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: 29030
Year of Manufacture: According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition by Richard Nahas & Jim Supica, page 159, only 4,976 were made between 1926-1941, with serial numbers from 28358-61412, putting the DOM around 1928.
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC. 17, 1901. FEB. 6. 1908. SEP. 14. 1909”. The inside of the ejector rod cut is marked with the serial number, found also on the butt of the grip frame, rear of the cylinder, inside of the right grip panel, inside of the ejector star, and rear flat of the yoke have the same serial number. The inside of the yoke cut is marked “C / 66821”, this number is seen again on the yoke. The left of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.” The left of the grip frame is marked “C / A”, the right is marked “G / H / B / C / S”. the top of the hammer is marked “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”
Barrel Length: 5”, Pinned, with shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade, integral to a rectangle base, forged with the barrel. The rear sight is a pinched “U” channel on the frame’s top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with diamond shapes around the escutcheons. They have nice fit to the grip straps, the checkering is highly pronounced, the smooth bordering exposes beautiful honey gold wood with dark grain stripes. The butt of the left panel has a tiny chip loss, the right has a few mild pressure marks. No cracks or major damages are seen. The grips are in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with highly defined rifling. It shows a sprinkling of frosting with a few infrequent spots of shallow pin prick erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 91% of its metal finish. The top of the frame has a few areas of light pin prick erosion and surface etching to bare metal. The leading edges of the barrel at the muzzle and cylinder, subsequently shifting the edges to patina. The cylinder has a thin drag line and a few small marks. The hammer and trigger still have bold coloring. The overall construction is masterful. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces tight full lockup in all 6 chambers with no measurable fore to aft play, nominal side to side play is felt. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. The barrel is pinned. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson notes that under 5,000 of the 3rd Model 44 Hand Ejector were made, this one was made around 1928, retaining most of its blue and case colored finish. The bore is strong enough to promise tight groups, though in its higher condition, it may live on as a safe queen. This model is referred to as the Wolf & Klar 3rd Model, named thus because of the Fort Worth, Texas based dealer’s request to shroud the ejector rod, a damn fine move in our opinion.
