Unmarked 38/44?

[Dr.Rob]

Saw a SW 38/44 .. or what I thought was one. Looked like a 38/44 .. but not marked as such. No 38/44 no "heavy duty" or oudoorsman or whatever.

Finish was well-worn, price wasn't bad but the end shake in the cylinder made me go... no thanks.

were all 38/44's marked or not?

Revolver is in the consgnment case at the Firing Line in Aurora CO.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Did you get a look at the serial number?

 

[Old Fuff]

A pre-war .38/44 should be marked: "Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the barrel, and: "S&W Special CTG" on the right side. Also: "Made in U.S.A. on the frame. They didn't have anything denoting "Heavy Duty."

End shake is easy to correct. Don't pass it up on that account.

As Mike said, we need a serial number if you want more.

 

[Dr.Rob]

$250 and when I say worn I mean worn. Lots of bluing missing, the cylinder 'play' was more like cylinder 'slop'. Still a really neat old revolver. If I look ay it again I'll note the serial #'s.

 

[Jim K]

The .38/44 (.38 on the .44 frame) S&W was not marked either that way or with the "Heavy Duty" or "Outdoorsman" names. A lot of them were used by various highway patrol and state police in the era before the .357 Magnum came out, and many took a real beating. They are scarce today, but enough were made that only ones in excellent condition rate as collectibles.

Jim