This revolver features a scarce factory two-tone finish: nickel plated barrel and cylinder and blue frame. The special two-tone finish is an old traditional finish first used by Smith & Wesson beginning with the Model One .22 caliber tip-up series in 1857. The revolver is fitted with the extremely rare and desirable 4 inch barrel. Although the Smith & Wesson catalog listed the .44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model as only available with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and in blue finish, the factory did make limited quantities of 4, 5 and 5 1/2 inch barrel lengths and nickel finish. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 inch barrel (special barrel length), red insert ramp front sight, two-tone nickel-blue finish and smooth Goncalo Alves target grips. The revolver was shipped on July 30, 1954 to Rex Firearms Co. of New York City, S&W's preferred distributor of factory custom and special order guns in the post-World War II era. . Matching serial numbers are found on the ejector shroud, butt and cylinder. The assembly number "18218" is marked on the yoke and crane. The cylinder and ejector shroud are stamped with the letter "N" indicating factory nickel plating. The square notch rear sight is adjustable. Comes with the S&W gold box and "Helpful Hints" pamphlet. Provenance: Chad Gripp collection.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% of the original blue and nickel finishes showing a cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are near new showing the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The box is excellent showing a few minor creases. One of the finest two-tone S&Ws to be found, a valued addition to any collection!