Also known as the 1926 Model .44 Military, the .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model (Postwar-Transitional) revolver was manufactured from 1946 to 1949 with nearly 1,500 units reported to have been produced. This high conditioned example has the very scarce 6 1/2 inch barrel (standard barrel length was 4 or 5 inches), standard S&W factory markings, Magna grips and blade and frame groove sights. The matching serial number is found on the butt, ejector shroud, rear cylinder face and right grip panel. The assembly number "3800" is stamped on the yoke and crane. The original factory box is numbered to the gun. The serial number is correctly found on the bottom of the box. The serial number is also hand marked on the end label. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on July 18, 1946 and delivered to Warshal's Sporting Goods Co. of Seattle, Washington, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut square butt grips. Provenance: The Ray Cheely Collection; The Chad Gripp Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish with a very faint cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are near new with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine with a tear on a long side of the lid. This revolver would be virtually impossible to improve upon, and with the original box and very scarce barrel length, will make for a great addition to any post-war Smith & Wesson collection.