Pre-WW2 Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty .38SPL DA/SA Revolver, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,726.00
LSB#: WY240925JT052
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Hand Ejector
Serial Number: 38781
Year of Manufacture: 1933 (Factory Letter)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out fluted Cylinder with hand ejector.
Markings: The barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON / 38 S & W SPECIAL CTG”. The right side of the frame is marked, “MADE IN USA”, and the left side is marked with the S&W monogram. The bottom of the grip frame, back of the cylinder, and ejector shroud are all marked, “38781”. The crane cut has a part number. The inside of the grips are serial matching to the grip frame. All numbers matching.
Barrel Length: 5” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half circle blade machined into the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch channel machined into the top-strap of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece, checkered walnut diamond center stocks with silver S&W medallions at the top. There are light handling marks throughout. The checkering is sharp. The grips have no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Hardened trigger & hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its original finish. The Color is dark and bold. There is some light patina on the back of the grip frame. There is a crisp turn line in the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. The hammer spur checkering is defined. The checkering in the cylinder release is sharp. Overall this pistol is in Excellent condition. Please take a look at the photos.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with very little side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Letter.
Our Assessment: The pre-World War II Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty is a landmark revolver that played a pivotal role in the evolution of handgun design. Chambered in .38 Special, this large-frame revolver was introduced in the 1930s to handle high-velocity .38 Special Super Police ammunition, which was more powerful than standard .38 Special loads. Built on Smith & Wesson’s robust N-frame, the .38/44 Heavy Duty combined exceptional strength with the classic styling of the era, making it a favorite among law enforcement officers and shooting enthusiasts. This revolver features a stout design, with its heavy barrel and frame providing the durability needed to withstand the increased pressures of the high-velocity ammunition. The finish on this pre-war model is a polished blue, showcasing Smith & Wesson’s renowned craftsmanship. The grips were often made of checkered walnut, providing a secure hold and a touch of elegance. Collectors value the aesthetic details of these early models, including the fit and finish that reflect the high standards of pre-war firearm manufacturing. The introduction of the .38/44 Heavy Duty marked an important step in revolver development. It bridged the gap between traditional .38 Special revolvers and the more powerful magnum revolvers that would follow. In fact, the success of the .38/44 Heavy Duty and its ability to handle high-pressure loads paved the way for the development of the .357 Magnum in 1935, which was also built on the N-frame. This revolver was originally shipped out from S&W on March 30th, 1933 to H&D Folsom Arms Co. New York City, N.Y.
Today, the pre-WW2 Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty is sought after by collectors and historians for its historical significance and quality construction. Its role in law enforcement, its innovative design for handling high-performance ammunition, and its connection to the development of magnum revolvers ensure its enduring place in firearms history. -R.E.
