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  • Auction Catalog #4093
  • Lot #1551
Lot #1550
Lot #1552

Lot 1551: Engraved Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy Duty Revolver

Attractively Engraved and Silver Inlaid Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy Duty Pre-Model 20 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Grips

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 7, 2024

Lot 1551: Engraved Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy Duty Revolver

Attractively Engraved and Silver Inlaid Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy Duty Pre-Model 20 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Grips

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 7, 2024

Estimated Price: $2,500 - $4,000
Price Realized:
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Attractively Engraved and Silver Inlaid Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy Duty Pre-Model 20 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Grips

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 38/44
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38 S&W special
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: carved
Stock:
Item Views: 1437
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 429
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with crisp rifling.
Description:

Manufactured in 1952/53 and subsequently embellished with floral engraving and carved grips. The embellishment likely occurred in the 1950s in Japan. The engraving covers 85% of the surface and is accented with silver wire inlays. The grips feature large relieved carved floral patterns along with Japanese characters and the initials "JB" on the left and "WS" on the right and are attached to the revolver by a large screw. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud.

Rating Definition:

Fine as period custom embellished, retaining 90% plus of the blue finish with loss mostly on the cylinder. The undersized grips are also fine with rich appearance, typical age lines on the bottom, and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. An intriguing S&W .38 Heavy Duty Revolver with 1950s embellishments.



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