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and a S&W factory “R-Bi” refinish mark. A S&W
factory “B” and a diamond refinish mark is on the rear of the
cylinder. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip
panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% plus of the S&W factory refurbished blue
finish with a few minor handling marks and a cylinder drag line. Nearly all of the case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The personalized grips (see above) are also very fine with some minor handling marks mostly on the bottom and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A scarce 7 inch barrel S&W .357 Registered Magnum Revolver that rarely comes up for sale.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 1496
Rare London Shipped
Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model Triple
Lock Double Action Revolver in
.455 Caliber with Factory Letter - Serial no. 9961, 455 MKII cal., 6 1/2
inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured from 1907 to 1915 within the serial number
range 1 to 15,375, this is one of 808 .44 Hand Ejector
1st Models S&W chambered in .455 caliber intended for the British
Government. As stated in the accompanying factory letter, the revolver
was shipped on October 1, 1914, and delivered to Wilkinson Sword Ltd., London, England, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, in .455 caliber, blue finish, butt swivel,
and checkered walnut gold medallion grips (currently fitted with plain walnut grips). The letter goes on to state, “This was one of the commercial .455 caliber revolvers sold after the British Government changed to the second model style revolver.” During World War I, S&W converted 808 of this model to the .455 Mark II cartridge for the British armed services. This conversion has created some confusion in the collector’s market as S&W also produced an
identical model in .455 which was in its own 1-5,000 serial number range. Out of the 808 manufactured of this model the British armed services received 666 and the remaining
units were sold commercially (see Neal & Jinks’ “Smith & Wesson 1857-1945,” page 203-205). As noted in the factory letter this revolver was sold on the British commercial market. The bottom of the right grip panel is stamped with the number “1-3.” The back strap is stamped “C.L.C. 7N.N.” London proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel and frame at the
breech and on each cylinder flute. The factory mounted butt swivel obscures the serial number. The cylinder and barrel are numbered to the gun.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and holster wear. The grips are very good with a few notches along the bottom edge. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 1497
Engraved Smith &
Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Third
Model Double Action Revolver with Pearl
Grips - Serial no. 344886, 32 S&W Long cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured 1917-1942 and subsequently embellished with
attractive floral scroll engraving covering about 50% or the revolver as well as the S&W medallion pearl grips. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, and the butt. CONDITION: Very fine as period embellished, retaining 99% reapplied nickel finish with minor
handling evidence and some minor
surface cracks in the grips.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 1494
Smith & Wesson .357 Registered
Magnum Double Action Revolver with Extremely Scarce 7 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 46643, 357 magnum cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This particular Registered Magnum (Reg. No. 477) has
an extremely scarce 7 inch barrel. According to
S&W historian Roy Jinks, only 72 Registered Magnums had 7 inch barrels. The revolver also features a Call gold bead front sight, square
notch rear sight, and S&W medallion grips
with added rivets bordering the checkering.
The left side of the grip frame has a S&W
factory December 1974 (“12 74”) return date
LOT 1495
Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model Double Action Revolver with Box - Serial no. 16669, 44 S&W special cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1915 to 1940. The revolver is built on a U.S. inspected frame: marked with an “eagle head/S2” inspector proof. The lanyard ring on the butt appears to be an old replacement. The right grip panel is unnumbered. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. With an unnumbered S&W .44 Military labeled box.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% original nickel plating with a 2 inch area of tool-like marks along the right side of the barrel and front sight. 95% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The replacement grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Box is very fine with a repairable split lid corner.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,500
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