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472
LOT 1595
Outstanding Smith & Wesson .44 Hand
Ejector 1st Model Triple
Lock Double Action
Revolver with Extra Matching Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 14491, 44 S&W special cal., 4 and 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The accompanying
factory letters confirm both the finish and checkered walnut grips and states that this revolver was part of
a 10 unit shipment of the Triple Lock Model 4 and 6 1/2 inch barrel lengths when it left the factory on June
18, 1917 to be delivered to Shapleigh Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri. The letters also state that the records
did not list the barrel lengths by serial numbers and there were no special notes. Although not confirmed by
the factory letters, knowledgeable collectors are convinced this revolver originally left the factory on June 18,
1917 with an extra barrel. Note that both barrels are factory numbered to the gun. Moreover, the revolver is absent of factory rework markings, thus indicating that the revolver was not returned to the factory to receive the second barrel. The matching
serial number is found on the butt, cylinder, both barrels and right grip panel. The assembly number “6717” is stamped on the
yoke and crane. The revolver has standard S&W markings (includes both barrels), and the barrels measure 4 and 6 1/2 inches. Barrel lengths other than 6 1/2 are highly desirable by collectors. Over the years the Triple Lock has gained something of a cult following. Most S&W experts are of the opinion that the Triple Lock mechanism was more an expression of the ultimate in precision machine work than as a necessity for strength and
function. S&W’s usual two locks provided
more locking strength than their main
competitor Colt.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver
retains 99% original blue finish
showing a cylinder drag line. The 6
1/2 inch barrel shows some minor
loss at the muzzle. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer
and trigger. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Do not
miss the opportunity to acquire a .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model Triple Lock revolver with a matching
extra barrel that would make a great addition to an early 20th century Smith & Wesson collection!
Provenance: The Ray Cheely Collection; The Chad Gripp Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000