CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 03/02/12 11:52 PM |
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S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Here are images of my Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, "New Century" Triple Lock.
Many (including the inimitable Elmer Keith) consider this iconic revolver to be the very pinnacle of Smith & Wesson's design and production. Relatively few were made; only 15,375 from 1907-1915. They can be called the Holy Grail of a S&W collection.
This particular example bears serial number 15. Without a doubt it was in the very first production batch.
At some point in its life it traveled to England, as evidenced by the Birmingham proofs bearing a date stamp of 1952. It has no military marks. It came back to the U.S. prior to 1968, as it bears no import marks.
It remains in excellent condition, with some areas lightly freshened up after the application of proof stamps. It's bore and chambers are like new, as are its mechanics.
Enjoy!
Curl
| bonanza |
| (.400 member) |
| 04/02/12 12:38 AM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Such a beautifully elegant revolver.
| sxsrifle |
| (.224 member) |
| 04/02/12 12:12 PM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Absolutely the Holy Grail of revolvers! Enjoy it!
| spinna |
| (.275 member) |
| 04/02/12 11:29 PM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Beautiful revolver alright....
Is that muzzle faced off at an angle? Or are my eyes playing tricks on me??
cheers
spinna
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 05/02/12 01:28 AM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Quote:
Beautiful revolver alright....
Is that muzzle faced off at an angle? Or are my eyes playing tricks on me??
cheers
spinna
The muzzle is square. Tricky eyes.
Curl
| MacNaughton360 |
| (.275 member) |
| 05/02/12 03:54 PM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Awesome piece. I'm envious. If only they could talk...
| spinna |
| (.275 member) |
| 05/02/12 10:54 PM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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Yeah, Just discovered the old monitor on my PC is distorting pics somewhat...
Cheers
spinna
| zimhunter |
| (.333 member) |
| 08/03/12 04:45 PM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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In the early 1950's while at Gunsmith school I bought a triple lock. It came from Alaska. I went back to school in the deep south and met a Professor at the school who was a gun collector and more or less went to work for him. He had a tremendous collection which we added to and this was back in the days when you could buy a case of Winchester Winder Muskets, brand new in the original case from a company in Switzerland of all places. We were forming a state gun collectors association at the time and we were going to a show and packing things to display. He had a nickel plated pearl gripped triple lock that was particularly nice. As we were noting the serial numbers of what we were taking we came to the triple lock and as he read off the serial number it struck a chord. I went home and got mine and they were consecutive numbered. Needless to say I sold mine to him and have often wondered what happened to them after his death. I took the money I got and bought an unfired Merwin and Hulbert that didn't stay around nearly long enough. We got letters on the triple locks from S&W and one was shipped to Alaska to a store and the other went to a distributor in St Louis. What are the odds of that happening.
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 10/03/12 10:47 AM |
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Re: S&W .44 Hand Ejector, First Model - Triple Lock
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I have sent for a factory letter on this revolver. It may come back bland as beans, but I think it just might be interesting to see where #15 first went. This was a very significant revolver design when it came out, and I think the first ones might have been used for promotional purposes.
Within the month we should know.
Curl