Description
11/3/25 – The Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector First Model – universally nicknamed the “Triple Lock” (officially the .44 Hand Ejector, New Century or Military Model of 1908) – is a large-frame, six-shot double-action revolver introduced as S&W’s first 20th-century hand-ejector design and built to very exacting standards; its nickname comes from the extra (third) cylinder locking lug at the crane in addition to the rear and ejector-rod locks, a feature intended to handle the new .44 Special cartridge and to provide a very rigid cylinder fit. Produced only briefly (circa 1908–1915), the First Model Triple Lock is scarce – factory production of the original .44 Hand Ejector First Model runs to roughly 15,300–15,400 examples – and many examples (and closely related Hand Ejector patterns) later saw service or conversion to .455 Webley for British wartime contracts, which increases the number of related large-frame Hand Ejectors encountered by collectors but does not change the Triple Lock’s status as a sought-after, historically important and generally higher-valued S&W N-frame. This particular gun is extremely early and has a 3-digit serial number. It is matching and has retained nearly all of its original high polish finish. There are just the slightest hints of high edge wear, a few extremely light tiny surface scratches here and there, a few tiny dots of discoloration on the butt of the frame. Fitted with beautiful hand-checkered wood grips. Like-new bore.
