Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, New Century, Triple Lock, Military Model of 1908, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame

Serial Number: 14458

Year of Manufacture: 1914 (reference Standard catalog) C&R

Caliber: .44 S&W Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W trademark monogram. The barrel has patent dates on the right side: “SMITH AND WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D MAR.27.94 MAY.21.95.AUG.4.96. DEC 22.96 OCT 8 01 DEC 3 01 FEB 6 06” The left side of the barrel “44 S&W SPECIAL CTG”. The crane arm and cut are marked, “6855”. And the serial number, “14458” is on the side of the grip frame, barrel and cylinder. The same serial number appears to have been on the frame butt, but has been partially obscured by the addition of a lanyard swivel.

Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade with a rectangular base, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch on the frame’s top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece checkered walnut with S&W medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks or chips. The checkering has smoothed out considerably. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is evident. There is some erosion and corrosion in the bore. 7.5/10 on the bore rating.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are small scratches, nicks, and rub marks throughout. There is some corrosion pitting on the frame but no rust. The edges show blueing loss and the trigger/hammer have rub marks from use. The cylinder has a prominent turn line, holster wear, and light corrosion pitting. There is a significant drag line on the recoil shield. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces remarkably light side to side movement for a gun 111 years old. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: In 1908, Smith & Wesson introduced the .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, often called the New Century, .44 Military Model of 1908, and the moniker that really stuck, Triple Lock. The Triple Lock mechanism is the defining feature of this revolver. In addition to the conventional cylinder latch and center pin lock, it incorporated a third locking point at the front of the cylinder crane. This third lock enhanced the revolver's durability and ensured precise alignment of the cylinder with the barrel, contributing to its renowned accuracy and smooth operation. There were only 15,375 Triple Locks made in its short production run from 1908-1915, and the 4" barrel versions were produced in limited numbers.

This particular revolver retains 80% of its original blued finish, though shows considerable handling wear, and has had a lanyard ring added in the butt frame. It remains mechanically sound.

The Triple Lock's complex design and high manufacturing costs led to it being discontinued in 1915, and succeeded by simpler designs. It remains a treasured firearm among collectors and enthusiasts, and is considered a masterpiece of revolver engineering.