Please note: The star marking on the butt indicates that this revolver was returned to S&W for refinish or repair. Please contact us if you would like to have your bid retracted.

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame

Serial Number: 16661

Year of Manufacture: 1921 / C&R

Caliber: .44 Special

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC. 17.1901. FEB. 6. 1906.”, the right is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG”, flanked by crosses. The butt of the grip frame, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, and ejector star are marked with the serial number. The left of the frame has the S&W monogram logo. There are inspection marks on the sides of the grip frame. All parts are serial number matching including the grips. There is a circle P under the barrel (pre-war marking). Of important note, the crane is marked with an Eagle head over S2 stamp. The eagle head stamp is a U.S. government inspector’s mark, signifying that the frame was originally earmarked for manufacture as a U.S. Army Model of 1917 chambered in .45 ACP. Following the end of World War I, surplus frames were returned to Smith & Wesson, where they were subsequently assembled into commercial Second Model .44 Military revolvers, along with a smaller number of commercial Model 1917 revolvers in .45 ACP.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”, Pinned, with un-shrouded ejector rod.

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 checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The butt of the grip frame has a lanyard ring. There are light handling marks throughout. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is modest erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are some small spots of finish loss and light oxidation spots throughout. There are some little nicks and a few small hairline scratches. There is some thinning and finish loss on some of the edges. There is some light clouding in the nickel. There is modest handling and operational wear. There is some corrosion and light erosion on the sides of the grip frame under the grips. The marking are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This Smith and Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Second Model is a compelling interwar example that illustrates the company’s transition from wartime production back to commercial manufacture. Produced in 1921, it features the classic five-screw N-frame with a pinned 6 1/2 inch barrel and un-shrouded ejector rod, hallmarks of early twentieth-century Smith and Wesson craftsmanship. Of particular historical interest is the Eagle Head over S2 inspector mark on the crane, identifying the frame as one originally intended for U.S. Army Model of 1917 production before being returned to the factory and completed as a commercial .44 Hand Ejector.

Chambered in .44 Special, a cartridge long valued for accuracy and authoritative performance, this revolver reflects the practical elegance of the Second Model series. The original nickel finish shows honest wear consistent with age, while clear markings, matching serial-numbered components, and original checkered walnut stocks with lanyard ring reinforce its authenticity. Overall, this revolver presents as a historically significant and well-preserved example with direct ties to World War I era production.