Ultra Rare Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 24 Model 44 Hand Ejector Target
SOLD FOR: $1705
WOA#: WY230427ES001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target, a.k.a. Model of 1950 .44 Target, Pre-Model 24
Serial Number: S143806
Year of Manufacture: 1954-1955
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The side plate has an S&W monogram logo, the right of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The butt is marked “S143806”, found again in the ejector rod shroud, on the inside of the left grip, and the rear face of the cylinder, the rear face of the crane and underside of the ejector star are each marked “S143806”, the inside of the left grip panel is stamped “S143806”. The crane, crane cut and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The left side of the grip frame is marked “R-S / 474 / R /4” with another proof. The right side of the grip frame is marked with an upside down “T” and “6”.
Barrel Length: 4” Solid Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade pinned to a serrated, ramped base pinned to the front of the barrel’s serrated rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in its base screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons and S&W medallions at the top of each panel. The grips show no handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a thin turn-line. The trigger and hammer have a strong case color. The screw heads range from sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent-Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The action is smooth and the cylinder lockup has almost no play on all 6 chambers. 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: Soft Case
Our Assessment: Never Fired. One of an estimated 500 ever made from factory with a 4” barrel. Near Mint Condition. It’s almost impossible to put into words just how extremely rare this Pre-24 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target Revolver is. All serial numbers on this revolver match, including the grips. Highly desirable “S” prefix. It’s safe to say this is one of the rarest items to ever have made its way to our shop.
Introduced in 1950, the .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target is a .44 Special double action revolver built on Smith & Wesson’s N-Frame, and it would go on to become the Model 24 in 1957. This example was made in 1954 or 1955 and is in Excellent condition, with about 99% of its metal finish, an excellent bore and strong mechanics. With its 5-screw frame, pinned barrel and original matching diamond grips, this is a classic vintage Smith perfect for the best of collections. Please see our photos and details below and good luck on your bid!