Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model Blued 5” DA/SA Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $906

WOA#: WY240209TL020

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model, Pre War, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame

Serial Number: 36227

Year of Manufacture: 1915-1940, C&R

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 top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC.17.1901.FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.22.14”. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 S.&.W. SPECIAL CTG”.  The right side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”.  The crane cut is marked “L / 80647”.  The crane is marked “80647”.  The left side of the frame has a S&W monogram.  The rear face of the cylinder is marked “36227”.  The inside face of the ejector “36227”.  The bottom of the grip frame is marked “36227”.  There are inspection marks on the left side of the grip.

Barrel Length: 5” Round, Pinned.

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 square notch in a “U” channel on the frame’s top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two panel bone with nice and prominent natural grain.  There are no chips or cracks.   The grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is highly defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 for C&R.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish.  The balance of the finish shows a good coverage of light scratches and finish loss concentrated on the ejector and around the muzzle.  There is thinning on the leading edges.  The turn line is prominent and jagged in a few places.  The screw heads are serviceable with strong slots and only some light tooling. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition for C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces mild side to side play in full lockup in all 6 chambers with no measurable fore to aft play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. 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 Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector .44 2nd Model, an early 20th-century innovation, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of large-frame revolvers. Building on the foundation laid by the N-frame design of its predecessor, the .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, this model became distinct with its removed ejector rod shroud.  Chambered for the .44 Special cartridge, it was favored for its potent stopping power among law enforcement, military, and civilian users alike. Characterized by its double-action trigger, fixed sights, and the choice of blued or nickel finishes, the 2nd Model is a sought-after collector’s item today, revered for its historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and Smith & Wesson’s hallmark precision engineering. Its legacy underscores the company’s pivotal role in the development of modern firearms technology, cementing its status as a key piece of Americana in the realm of collectible firearms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.