Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model of 1926 5″ DA Revolver 1937 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,250.00

LSB#: LSB250803JT007

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector Model of 1926 (Third Model), Pre-WWII Variation

Serial Number: 52187. All serialized parts are matching.

Year of Manufacture: 1937 (per factory records; shipped August 26, 1937)

Caliber: .44 S.&W. Special

Action Type: Double-Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings:
The right side of the barrel is marked “.44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”.
The top of the barrel reads “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PATENTED FEB. 6. 06, SEPT. 14. 09, DEC. 29. 14.”.
The topstrap bears “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”.
The left side of the frame shows the Smith & Wesson trade logo.
The serial number “52187” appears on the butt, the cylinder, and the yoke cut.
Small assembly and inspection marks are visible on the crane and frame interior.

Barrel Length: 5″

Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a fixed half-moon blade integral to the barrel.
The rear sight is a square-notch groove milled into the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
Two-piece checkered walnut grips with diamond panels and inlaid S&W medallions.
They are period-correct but not matching to the revolver (right panel internally numbered “52256”).
Light handling marks and small compressions are present.
No cracks or chips.
Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minimal fouling.
In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition:
This revolver retains approximately 98% of its original blue finish.
Minor thinning appears along high edges and the cylinder flutes, with faint operational drag lines.
Markings remain crisp, screw heads are sharp, and metal surfaces are smooth.
Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good to Excellent condition.

Mechanics:
The action functions correctly in both single and double action.
Cylinder lock-up is tight with proper timing.
The extractor and latch operate smoothly.
We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Cylinder / Accessories:
Six-shot swing-out cylinder. No additional accessories or box included.

Our Assessment:
This revolver is an outstanding, factory-documented example of the Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Model of 1926 (Third Model) — a pre-war large-frame N-frame classic built for power and elegance.
According to the included factory letter signed by S&W Historian Roy Jinks, serial number 52187 was shipped on August 26, 1937, as part of a ten-gun shipment to Wolf & Klar Co., Fort Worth, Texas, in blue finish with 5″ barrel and checkered walnut grips with silver medallions.
The Model of 1926 (Third Model) was introduced at Wolf & Klar’s request and stands as the direct descendant of the famed Triple Lock.
Well-balanced, powerful, and refined, it bridges the era between the early hand-ejectors and the post-war Model 21 and 24 revolvers.
With its deep original blue, bright bore, and confirmed factory provenance, this revolver represents a desirable collectible for advanced Smith & Wesson enthusiasts and pre-war American handgun historians alike. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.