Smith & Wesson Sequential Factory Engraved Pre Model 20 38/44 Heavy Duty’s

A cased pair of sequentially numbered factory engraved Heavy Duty’s, serial numbers S 84000 & S 84001. Both guns have the original numbers-matching prototype target grips made in the Smith & Wesson stocking department. Both guns are inscribed and have nearly identical coverage from S&W factory engraver Harry Jarvis. A factory letter confirms the special-order status and details their original shipment on November 28, 1950 to Mr. J Baxter Gardner, Ardsley-on-Hudson, New York.

Of special interest to collectors are the prototypical grips, seen in similar style on less than three other known examples. The grips here pre-date ‘Cokes’ by more than five years! Note the non-relieved area, checkering pattern, medallion style and tell-tale carving pattern from Al Gagne or his son Mathias, both of whom worked in the S&W stocking department.

These are the first known Smith & Wesson factory engraved examples made after World War II. Both guns retain over 99% of the original nickel finish with only a faint touch of aging along the half-moon front sight, surely from laying in the deluxe period case. The bore and cylinder chambers are mint and both guns function perfectly.

Bar none the finest examples of the model to be found, period.