Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #3696
Lot #3695
Lot #3697

Lot 3696: Austin PD marked S&W .38/44 Heavy Duty Double Action Revolver

Desirable Austin, Texas Police Department Marked Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Double Action Revolver with Scarce 6 Inch Barrel

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 10, 2023

Lot 3696: Austin PD marked S&W .38/44 Heavy Duty Double Action Revolver

Desirable Austin, Texas Police Department Marked Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Double Action Revolver with Scarce 6 Inch Barrel

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 10, 2023

Estimated Price: $2,500 - $4,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Desirable Austin, Texas Police Department Marked Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Double Action Revolver with Scarce 6 Inch Barrel

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 38/44
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38 Special
Barrel: 6 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2023
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 372
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1952/53. This revolver is one of two hundred forty-nine received by the Austin Police Department between 1952 and 1964, with this one being a part of the initial June 3, 1952, shipment for 110. The revolver features round blade front and frame notch rear sights. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder and barrel shroud. A factory rework star is also found on the rear face of the cylinder with a rework date of "777" and "R-N" refinish marking. Some of the known Austin Police revolvers, such as this example, were rebarreled when they were reworked with a 6 inch barrel. It is speculated by Smith & Wesson collectors that the longer barreled revolvers were primarily used by motorcycle officers. The inside of the crane has been hand marked "G.H.", likely the initials of a previous owner. The back strap is marked "AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT 6". This early variation with the "POLICE DEPARTMENT" fully spelled out is only found on guns in the first shipment. These .38/44 Heavy Duty revolvers were ordered to replace the aging stock of .38 Military and Police revolvers the department had in stock and would remain in duty until being replaced in 1968 by the Model 27-2. The article "The Austin Police Department .38/44 Heavy Duty" by Bill Patterson states that one of the officers that helped take down Charles Whitman in the University of Texas Tower shooting was armed with one of these .38/44 Heavy Duty Revolvers.

Rating Definition:

Very fine as factory refurbished, retaining 98% plus nickel finish with scattered handling marks, slight softening of the back strap marking, and some discoloration on the trigger and hammer. Grips are fine with dings and scratches, high edge wear, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This seldom seen revolver would make a perfect addition to any S&W or police firearm collection!



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #430: Smith & Wesson 38/44 Outdoorsman (Postwar-Transitional) Revolver

    Lot #400: Scarce U.S. Customs Smith & Wesson Model 686 CS-1 Revolver

    Lot #878: Smith & Wesson .38 Caliber Military & Police Reloading Tools

    Lot #734: Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Revolver

    Lot #882: Smith & Wesson First Model Single Shot Pistol in .38 S&W

    Lot #1300: Two Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Top Break Revolvers