Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector 4th Mod. Military 6.5″ Pre-Model 21 Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,640.00
LSB#: LSB250514JV008
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Military (a.k.a. Model of 1950 .44 Military / Pre-Model 21)
Serial Number: S144114
Year of Manufacture: 1950–1957
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON,” and the right side is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.” The right sideplate features the S&W monogram, and the four-line address is marked on the right front of the frame. The butt is marked with the serial number “S144114.” The ejector rod housing and rear face of the cylinder are serialized to the gun. The yoke and crane cut are marked with matching assembly numbers used during the manufacturing process.
Barrel Length: 6.5”
Sights / Optics: This revolver features the transitional target sight configuration, with a high Patridge blade front sight pinned to a raised ramp and a fully adjustable square-notch rear sight mounted to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is currently fitted with Goncalo Alves target stocks featuring the football relief cut and S&W medallions. These are not original to the gun, which would have shipped with checkered walnut Magna stocks. The installed grips are in Excellent condition with crisp checkering and only light handling marks. Also included is a pair of aftermarket rosewood combat-style grips sealed in the original plastic bag.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light, stubborn fouling but no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90–95% of its original blue finish. There is minor high-edge wear and a faint drag line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp, and all markings are clear and legible. There is a patch of surface rust and light flecking, approximately 1/4″ in size, found under the left grip panel on the side of the frame. Overall, this revolver is in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and a crisp single-action break. Cylinder lock-up is tight and the timing is precise. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment:
This Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Military—also known as the Model of 1950 or Pre-Model 21—is a rare and desirable postwar big-bore revolver. Chambered in the classic .44 Special and built on the large N-frame, this model was produced from 1950 to 1957 in very limited numbers—only around 1,200 were manufactured prior to the introduction of the Model 21 designation. Even among those, the 6.5″ barrel configuration seen here is especially scarce, as most examples were made with 4″ or 5″ barrels.
This example is configured with the transitional target sight setup, including a high Patridge front sight and fully adjustable rear, as well as the factory target hammer and target trigger. The installed Goncalo Alves target stocks are not original (the gun would have shipped with walnut Magna grips), but they remain in excellent condition. The revolver retains its original serialized ejector rod housing and cylinder, and the matching assembly numbers on the crane and frame confirm correct parts pairing from the factory. A small area of surface rust was found beneath the left grip, but it remains isolated and does not detract from the revolver’s overall appeal.
Collectors recognize the Pre-Model 21 as one of the rarest .44 Special N-frames of the postwar era, and this example checks nearly every box: tight mechanics, matching original components, sharp bore, and a rare barrel length. For the S&W historian or enthusiast, this is a standout revolver from a golden age of craftsmanship. So bid high and bid firm. I highly recommend reviewing the item’s condition using our high-quality photos in our link. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
