SOLD - Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector First Model

Description

07/21/26 - This is a refinished Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector First Model, also known as the New Century or “Triple Lock,” with early serial number 4177 dating it to between 1907-1912. This early large-frame S&W features a 5-inch barrel and retains the desirable Triple Lock configuration, with the shrouded ejector rod and third locking point at the yoke. The revolver is matching, with the serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, interior cylinder face, and internal ejector shroud (this one is faded but visible under the right lighting conditions. The butt serial is followed by a star, which is consistent with a Smith & Wesson factory service/rework mark, though a factory letter would be needed to confirm whether the refinish itself was factory performed. The yoke cut is numbered with assembly number 8199, and one grip panel is unnumbered and one is mismatched.  

The nickel refinish remains bright on the major exterior surfaces, with scattered fine scratches, freckling, and handling marks. The yoke and yoke cut were either not nickel plated to begin with, or at the least very least most of the nickel has been removed from those areas, as well as from the internal ejector shroud recess. There is heavier oxidation and finish loss in the crane/yoke area, ejector recess, cylinder face, and chamber mouths, along with a visible cylinder turn line and wear on the cylinder flute edges. The mismatched checkered walnut S&W medallion grips show age, darkening, and small butt-edge dings, with no obvious cracks visible. The finish has a mild crack directly behind the front sight, and the rear sight is missing a screw. The bore is relatively shiny with decent rifling, but displays fouling throughout.