Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector Model of 1926 (Third Model), Pre-WWII Variation, "Wolf & Klar Model"

Serial Number: 32490. All serialized parts are matching including the grips.

Year of Manufacture: 1928 / C&R (Factory Letter)

Caliber: .44 S.&W. Special

Action Type: Double-Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics:The front sight is a fixed half-moon blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch groove milled into the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut grips with grip screw diamonds and inlaid S&W medallions. They are period correct and are matching to the revolver. Light handling marks and small compressions are present. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color hammer and trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is intermittent erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 80% of its original nickel finish. There is finish loss on some of the leading edges as well as scattered intermittent oxidation and discoloration. Most of the finish loss is found on the cylinder. There are small spots of fine pitting scattered about the grip frame hidden by the grips. Markings remain crisp, screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Cylinder lock-up is good with only light play and proper timing. The extractor and latch operate smoothly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a S&W factory letter confirming that this revolver was shipped from the factory on November 21, 1928 and delivered to Wolf and Klar, Fort Worth, Texas with a 5" barrel and nickel finish.

Our Assessment: This Smith and Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Model of 1926 Third Model, manufactured in 1928, represents one of the most desirable prewar large frame Smith and Wesson revolvers, particularly in its so called Wolf and Klar configuration. Chambered in .44 S&W Special and fitted with a 5 inch barrel, this variation reflects a specification strongly associated with the Fort Worth dealer Wolf and Klar, who was known for ordering refined, duty oriented revolvers favored by lawmen, peace officers, and discerning shooters of the period. The combination of N frame balance, fixed sights, and powerful yet controllable .44 Special chambering places this revolver squarely in the golden age of American double action revolver design.

This example retains approximately 80% of its original nickel finish, with honest edge wear and cylinder thinning consistent with service use, while maintaining crisp markings and sharp mechanical presentation. The bore shows defined rifling with age consistent erosion, and the action exhibits proper timing and solid lockup. Matching, period correct checkered walnut stocks further reinforce its originality. Accompanied by a factory letter confirming shipment to Wolf and Klar in 1928 with its current configuration, this revolver stands as a well documented and highly representative example of a prewar Smith and Wesson that blends historical association, desirable configuration, and authentic condition.