Smith & Wesson S&W Pre War .38/44 Heavy Duty .38 Spl 5″ DA/SA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 211208BW05
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty
Serial Number: 45076
Year of Manufacture: 1930-1941
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG”. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB. 6 06. SEPT. 14. 09. DEC. 29. 14”. The right of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.” and the left side has an S&W monogram logo. The rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star, rear face of the crane, butt of the grip frame, and the inside of the ejector shroud are each marked with the serial number. The yoke, yoke cut, and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The ejector rod cut in the underlug is also marked “B”. The rear of the hammer and trigger are both marked “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “45076”. The backstrap is hand inscribed “Herbert Bailey” in cursive.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade integral to a base that is forged to the barrel. The rear sight is square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut stocks with smooth diamonds around the grip screws and S&W medallions. There are some scattered light compressions. The checkering is strong with light handling wear and a few little tiny nicks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some areas of finish loss on the edges, some of the most noticeable is on the muzzle. There are some scattered little nicks and dings, some of the most noticeable are on the right side of the topstrap at the rear. There are a couple little oil stains on the left of the frame. There are a few little scratches, most noticeable on the right side of the frame at the markings. There are a few light scuffs. There are some light handling marks. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The hammer and trigger show light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces hardly any movement in full lockup of all 6 chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth, 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: None.
Our Assessment: While the K and even smaller J-frames would become those most commonly associated with .38 Special Smith & Wessons, when the cartridge was first being developed, the more stout N-frame was chosen to chamber the new round. This became the .38/44, offered in the Heavy Duty configuration with fixed sights and the Outdoorsman version with target sights. This example was produced around 1930-1941 and is in great shape for a gun of its age. It has a 5″ barrel and is equipped with nice checkered wood stocks. This would make a great shooter but will be a great addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!