John Taffin’s Custom Smith & Wesson .44 H/E Target .44 S&W Special Revolver

SOLD FOR: $1,626.05

LSB#:  LSB260521SS011

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model Target (New Century Triple Lock)

Serial Number:  425

Year of Manufacture:  Ca. 1908 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber:  .44 S&W Special

Action Type:  6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked “44 S.&W. CTG”. The top of the barrel is partially marked with the S&W address and a second line of patent dates. The barrel has been cut down resulting in markings being lost. The right sideplate is marked with a very faint S&W monogram. The extractor shroud has “425” marked inside. The crane and crane cut have assembly numbers. The bottom of the grip frame is marked with “425”.

Barrel Length:  4”, Pinned, the barrel has been altered and shortened.

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a tall serrated blade pinned to a boss at the muzzle. The rear sight is an adjustable micrometer click square notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut Bear Hug grips. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish:  Nickel-plated

Finish Originality:  Refinished

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present. There is erosion and pitting visible. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10. 

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 95% of its metal refinish. There is plating loss at the muzzle and bottom of the frame. There are scattered scratches and compression marks throughout. There is corrosion pitting under the nickel plating. The action shows operational wear and oxidation on the trigger and hammer. The screw heads are strong with light tooling. One of the sideplate screws appears to be a replacement. There is a turn line on the cylinder and carbon rings on its face. The markings range from faint to legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Fair-Good condition. 

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. The double action is smooth, and 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:  John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity

Our Assessment:  The Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector First Model was introduced in 1908 as the company’s New Century revolver and became popularly known as the “Triple Lock” for its unique third locking point at the front of the yoke. It was a landmark Smith & Wesson design, introducing both the large frame later known as the N-frame and the .44 S&W Special cartridge. Smith & Wesson offered the First Model with 4″, 5″, and 6 1/2″ barrels, blue or nickel finishes, and both fixed and adjustable target sights. Production ended in 1915 after only about 15,375 revolvers, making the First Model particularly desirable among early Smith & Wesson collectors. Serial number 425 is an exceptionally early example from the beginning of production. This revolver was subsequently extensively customized with a shortened 4″ barrel, altered front sight, nickel refinish, and Bear Hug walnut stocks, and its provenance to noted sixgun writer John Taffin is documented by the included Collection Certificate of Authenticity.

This custom Triple Lock rates in Fair-Good condition with approximately 95% of its nickel refinish remaining over areas of underlying corrosion and pitting. The Bear Hug stocks remain Fine, while the bore rates 6/10 with sharp rifling, fouling, erosion, and pitting. The action functions correctly with tight lockup, smooth double action, and a crisp single-action break, though we did not fire the revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY