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IMPERIAL HANDGUN .35" UP TO .399" /
38-44 SMITH & WESSON
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IMPERIAL HANDGUN .35" UP TO .399"
38-44 SMITH & WESSON
38-44 · 4 headstamps · 2 scans
| Calibre | 38-44 |
| In the cabinet | IMPERIAL HANDGUN .35" UP TO .399" · 6 images |
Reading the headstamp
12 o'clockMaker's name or factory code
6 o'clockCalibre or year of manufacture
CentrePrimer — Berdan or Boxer, and any seal colour
Research notes
The 38-44 S&W was developed by Ira Albert Paine (1837 – 1889) in 1886 for a S&W Single Action No.3 Target Revolver. Together with the 32-44 S&W, these were low recoil target revolvers. Paine was a very good shot with a variety of weapons and performed all over the US and Europe in trick shooting exhibitions. The bullets were deep seated and were available in two versions, namely a 146gr. bullet with a 20gr. loading for outdoor use and a gallery load with a 70gr. round ball with a 5½gr. load. (Erlmeier, Brandt Ref. 373)
Provenance
2020Catalogued in the collection
2023Record last revised · 2023-05-11
Same drawer
