Lot 499: Texas Deputy Sheriff's Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Revolver

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish and checkered walnut non-medallion square butt grips when shipped on December 3, 1928 and delivered to wolf & Klar Co., Fort Worth, Texas. The right side of the frame is inscribed "Thordis D. Harden," the left side of the frame is engraved with the Freemasonry square and compass symbol, and the revolver is wearing pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the left panel. According to the factory letter the engraving and pearl grips were added by Wolf & Klar Co. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder and ejector shroud. Thordis D. Harden (1902-1985) was a Dallas County Deputy Sheriff who was deputized on January 17, 1927. His signed and notarized deputation is included. Also comes with several of Harden's personal effects: S.D. Myres floral tooled open top leather holster, Dallas County Deputy Sheriff badge featuring Harden's name, five-pointed star deputy sheriff badge, S&W handcuffs with leather pouch, and three photographs (1. Harden, 2. Harden with his wife, 3. Harden's wife). Provenance: The Doug Ellison Collection

Excellent, retaining 97% original nickel finish showing flash marks on the front cylinder face. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with one eye inlay missing from the crisp steer head carving and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The accessories including the two badges are fine. A rare 4 inch nickel S&W .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model Revolver inscribed and identified to a Dallas County deputy sheriff that will be a welcome addition to any S&W or law enforcement collection.