Premier Firearms Auction #4092

August 23, 2024 to August 25, 2024

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #4092

August 23, 2024 to August 25, 2024

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-50 of 93 results

Lot 11

Smith & Wesson No. 1 Small Frame, Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854-55. Total production of the No.1 lever action repeating pistol was approximately 1,200 pistols. This pistol has the distinctive part-round/part-octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, toggle lever with finger hole and two-piece bag-shaped grips. The pistol has the early flat muzzle and wide muzzle collar with later rounded T-bar spring and "clam-shell" magazine follower. The loading lever has the spur found only on the first 100 No.1 pistols. The barrel has a brass front sight with flattened blade. A fixed rear sight is mounted on the receiver. The receiver, side plates, back strap and back of the hammer are decorated with the open scroll and leaf pattern engraving which was standard on most S&W No.1 pistols. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." The right barrel flat is stamped: "CAST-STEEL" reading toward the receiver. The left flat is roll-stamped: "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854." The serial number is stamped on the left side of the grip strap beneath the grip. "72" is stamped on the bottom of the lever and on the inside of each grip. The barrel/magazine and receiver are blued, and the hammer and lever are casehardened. The bag shaped rosewood grips have a varnish finish. The S&W lever action repeating pistols are rare and historically significant. The toggle lever action, spring-loaded magazine and self-contained, primed cartridge were important developments in the evolution of repeating firearms. The Smith & Wesson Lever Action Repeating Pistols were pioneer arms for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester and are rare and very desirable pistols.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver Inscribed to Louis Timmer

Lot 63

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Revolver

This model was only manufactured from 1872 to 1874. The front sight has been added and the barrel has been shortened during its time of use. A provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) is present on the butt. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel latch and barrel. The back strap is inscribed "Louis Timmer." Research shows Louis Timmer (1835-1919) is recorded as buried in San Antonio and appears to have been a German immigrant from Hanover who was the proprietor of multiple saloons/hotels in the Southwest in the late 19th century. His establishments included at least: "Timmer House" (formerly the Exchange Hotel) in Silver City, New Mexico, Armjijo Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Southern Hotel in San Antonio. He also had some claims in the silver mining district in New Mexico. Timmer Way in Silver City is named for him. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W American

Price Realized:

Lot 64

U.S./Wells Fargo Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Revolver

U.S. inspection marks "W" and "P" are on the barrel and rear cylinder face. "US" is marked on the butt. The revolver was one of a number sold as government surplus by Hartley & Graham or Bannerman, who shortened the barrel to 5 inches, and was purchased by Wells Fargo. The Wells Fargo marking "W.F. & CO. EX 3753" is stamped under the Schofield patent marking on the right side of the ejector housing. The back of both grip panels have a Mielcarek & Sons gunsmith ink stamp. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, right grip panel and cylinder.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 S&W Schofield

Price Realized:

Lot 66

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver

Manufactured from 1872 to 1874. This is one of approximately 3,014 No. 3 American 2nd Models chambered in the highly prized .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Of the 3,014 produced, only 2,157 lack a notched hammer like this example. Overall this is a very rare variation of the No. 3 American in fine condition. It also has the one-line address/patent dates marking on the barrel rib, standard sights, and provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) on the butt. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Many rimfire chambered Americans went to Mexico through the S&W distributor Wexell & Degress where they saw hard use. Fine condition examples like this revolver are rarely encountered.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 75

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver

Smith & Wesson introduced the American Model 3 years before the Colt Single Action Army revolver and is probably, more than any other model, associated with the historic American West. As S&W expert Roy Double pointed out over fifty years ago, "This was a work gun; a big, heavy-caliber holster gun worn openly and ready to hand; a timely gun indigenous to America on the move and a part of America's greatest adventures." Difficult to obtain in any condition, this American Model revolver is indeed a rare and desirable firearm. Exceptional examples, like the one offered here, are very seldom encountered. This example is certainly worthy of the finest collection. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold on May 10, 1873 and shipped to S&W's largest distributor M.W. Robinson of New York City with an 8 inch barrel, nickel finish, and smooth walnut grips. The letter goes on to state that the shipment was for 40 guns in the same configuration. The top of the barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking. Matching assembly "419" appears on the right side of the grip frame, rear cylinder face, barrel, and barrel latch. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W American

L.D. Nimschke Engraved, Presentation Inscribed Smith & Wesson 1st Model .38 Single Action Baby Russian Revolver with Rare 4 Inch Barrel, Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 80

Nimschke Engraved S&W 1st Model .38 Single Action Baby Russian

Offered here is a highly attractive L.D. Nimschke engraved, presentation S&W Baby Russian Revolver with rare 4 inch barrel (3 ½ inch was standard). Only a very small number of the Baby Russian models were engraved, this writer knows of only one other engraved 4 inch example, with the present revolver being far and away the better and more significant. The near full coverage engraving consists mostly of Nimschke’s signature American broad floral scrollwork on punch dot backgrounds along with tight zig-zag line flourishes on the barrel and a large floral blossom behind the hammer. The revolver features a presentation inscription: “From Gardners Squad L.R.W.” inside a double line and dot panel on the back strap, “To Lieut. C.T. Watkins” on the front strap, and “Sept. 6th 1877” on the butt. Research reveals a Lt. C.T. Watkins referenced in several late 1870s to early 1880s editions of the Buffalo, New York, based Buffalo "Morning Express" and "Illustrated Buffalo Express" newspapers as having participated in target shooting matches. In several of these matches he finished in the top three, further detailed research is definitely warranted. The cylinder is plated in gold, and the remaining surfaces are plated in nickel. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with the rare 4 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered black hard rubber grips when it was shipped on July 26, 1877, to M.W. Robinson of New York City, S&W’s largest distributor. This shipment was for 25 units at a price of $9.25 each.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W

Price Realized:

Presentation Cased New York Engraved, Silver and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 81

Presentation Cased Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver

Manufactured prior to 1865. The revolver features profuse New York engraving consisting of broad floral scrollwork, rope, cross hatching and entwining line motifs. The barrel and frame are silver plated, and the remaining surfaces are plated in gold. Matching assembly marks on the grip frame, barrel and cylinder. Comes with a period partitioned case. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; Property of a Gentleman

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

Documented, Desirable Two Digit Serial Number 38 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier Single Action Target Revolver

Lot 83

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier Target Revolver

This revolver is one of 2,072 originally chambered in .44-40 WCF. Many of these revolvers were converted by S&W to .44 Russian, a more popular cartridge for New Model No. 3s at the time to be able to sell the Frontier Model to a wider audience. A total of 786 converted Frontier Models in .44 Russian were shipped to the Japanese government. This revolver is highly desirable among today's collectors and remains in well above average condition. The revolver is pictured and identified in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition" on page 121 and David Chicoine's "Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West" on pages 145 and 146. Chicoine notes the revolver is fitted with factory target sights, "an unusual option for the Frontier Models." Besides the target sights, the revolver has a correct 1 9/16 inch cylinder, two-line address/patent dates legend on the barrel rib, unnumbered barrel latch, and matching two digit serial number "38" on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and barrel latch. The Frontier Model was issued in its own serial number range 1-2072.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Historic Smith & Wesson No. 3 Third Model Russian Single Action Revolver with Spanish-American War Veteran Colonel D.B. Case Inscription and Factory Letter

Lot 84

Inscribed Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Revolver

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and smooth walnut grips when shipped on August 5, 1877, and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City. The left side of the ejector housing is engraved "Col D. B. Case/4th Pa." A period retailer or jeweler performed the inscription. As a member of the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel David Brainard Case was among several thousand state militia soldiers called on by the Pennsylvania governor to restore law and order to a violent labor dispute in Homestead in 1892. Known as the Homestead Steel Strike as well as the "Homestead Massacre" and "Battle of Homestead", the labor dispute was a defining moment in U.S. labor history as the incident dealt a major blow in the movement to unionize steel works. Colonel Case went on to fight in the Puerto Rico campaign during the Spanish-American War (1898). The barrel rib legend ends with "RUSSIAN MODEL." The barrel, cylinder and barrel latch feature the mismatched serial number "38303."

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Lot 85

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver

All frames of the .44 Double Action First Model Revolver were manufactured between 1881 and 1898, but this model was listed in the company catalogs and sold up until 1913. This is a high condition example marked "44 S&W CTC" on the left side of the barrel. The caliber designation is a rare marking on this model. The revolver also has the two-line S&W legend on the rib, S&W logo on the right side of the frame, gold S&W medallion pearl grips, 1 9/16 inch cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Historic FBI Presentation Inscribed Smith & Wesson Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight Double Action Revolver Inscribed to the Vietnam Era Commandant of the Marine Corps

Lot 299

FBI Presentation Smith & Wesson Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight

Offered here is a historic S&W Model 38 revolver presented by the FBI to U.S. Marine Corps General Leonard F. Chapman Jr. The revolver is fitted with a Pachmayr grip adaptor and S&W medallion checkered grips with the right panel numbered to gun. The presentation inscription is featured on the side plate: “To General/Leonard F. Chapman Jr./Commandant,/United States Marine Corps/From his FBI Friends." Comes with the original box numbered to the gun, Speedwell target showing 5 shots in the center black marked "50'/Bench rest/1-2-68", cleaning rod with brush attachment and Berns-Martin of Quantico, VA, leather shoulder holster. The revolver will factory letter as being shipped on December 28, 1967, to Special Agent Henry Sloan, Quantico, Virginia. Included is a carbon file copy of a “Memorandum to File” type written by Lt. Col. John A. Kinniburgh, personal aide to General Leonard F. Chapman, that reads, “Subject Smith and Weston (sic.) Pistol, Serial No.512957” followed by “1. On 4 April 1968, J Edgar Hoover presented to the Commandant of the Marine Corps a Smith & Weston (sic.) 38 two-inch barrel engraved, Serial No. 512957. J A Kinniburgh". General Leonard F. Chapman Jr. (1913-2000) was a World War II combat veteran decorated for his action in the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Okinawa and served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972 as well as the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service after retiring from the Marine Corps as a four star general with 37 years of service. As a young officer at the outbreak of World War II Chapman participated in the early Pacific Theater raids before returning to the U.S. in mid-1942 to teach artillery courses at the Marine Corps Schools in Quantico. In mid-1944 he returned to the combat zone with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific area. For his remarkable service he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for meritorious service as an operations officer during combat operations at Peleliu from September to October 1944 and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” as 4th Battalion Commander at Okinawa from April to July 1945. During the post-war years the general held various command positions before he was nominated by President Lyndon Jonson and confirmed by the Senate to be the 24th Commandant of the Marine Corps, a position he held from January 1, 1968, to January 1, 1972. As commandant he witnessed America’s escalation as well as withdrawal from Vietnam and guided the USMC through the social and racial unrest of the period. From 1972 to 1977 he served as the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and devoted himself to curbing illegal immigration. Here is a complete list of General Chapman’s decorations: three awards of the Distinguished Service Medal; two awards of the Legion of Merit, one with Combat “V;” the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V;” the Navy Commendation Ribbon with Combat “V”; two Presidential Unit Citations; the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Meal with one silver star in lieu of five bronze stars; the American Campaign Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star; the Korean Service Medal; the Korean Order of National Security Merit, First Class; the Vietnam National Order, 2nd Class; and the United Nations Service Medal. Without a doubt General Chapman rubbed shoulders with the highest U.S. government officials, including FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. On May 8, 1969, Chapman joined Hoover at the formal dedication of the “J. Edgar Hoover Road” that led to the FBI Academy entrance. This event was held about one year after Kinniburgh states Hoover presented this S&W to Chapman. Perhaps this revolver was a congratulatory gift to Chapman at the time he was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps that occurred a few months prior to the presentation. Special Agent Henry Sloan, the recipient of this revolver listed in S&W records, was a firearms instructor at the FBI Academy at Quantico until becoming the agent in charge of training from 1942 to 1971. Chapman, throughout his career, was stationed at Quantico and Washington, D.C., two cities that also had a large FBI presence. It would not be difficult to imagine Chapman forming many friendships with members of the FBI. Later, as Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Chapman dealt directly with other U.S. Department officials such as the director of the FBI. At the time of Hoover’s death in May 1972, Chapman was just beginning to settle in his new position at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Price Realized:

Lot 301

USAF Smith & Wesson M13 Aircrewman Double Action Revolver

Manufactured in late 1953 or very early 1954, this revolver was produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force, who designated it the Model 13 Aircrewman and requested the revolvers be stamped "M13". They were intended for use by strategic bomber crews for use as survival weapons. Weight conscious, they were originally produced with a lightweight alloy frame and cylinder with a steel barrel. The model was eventually rejected because of problems with the alloy cylinder with most destroyed by the government or S&W, making surviving examples rare and highly desirable among collectors. The top strap is marked "REVOLVER, LIGHTWEIGHT, M13". Back strap marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE". The left side of the frame has a "P" proof mark. Serial number is on the butt of the frame. The six-shot alloy cylinder, barrel, and extractor are numbered to the gun. The checkered grips have S&W medallions, with the right panel numbered to the gun. This revolver falls within the accepted Aircrewman serial range of C247000-C405363 ("The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahas, pg. 147). The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Norton Air Base in San Bernardino, California on 18 January 1954.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Special

Price Realized:

Excellent Smith & Wesson Model 76 Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun

Lot 343

Smith & Wesson Model 76, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable MG

Originally developed in the late 1960s, the S&W Model 76 was designed to fill the niche of a lightweight and compact 9mm SMG after the American special forces community was cut off from sources of the Carl Gustaf M45 "Swedish K" SMG; the Swedish government, neutral in the Vietnam War, was uncomfortable with their exports being used in the conflict. Fixed blade and peep sights on the tubular receiver, with an ambidextrous "FULL"/"SEMI"/"SAFE" selector switch, checkered pistol grip and a side folding buttstock with rubberized covering. Magazine absent.

Documentation

Class III

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Lot 488

Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver

This particular Registered Magnum with reg. no. 1782 is one of 1,518 manufactured with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. The accompanying registration certificate confirms the 6 1/2 inch barrel, Patridge front sight, and square notch rear sight. The gun was registered to Nick B. Katsaros of St. Louis, Missouri. The sideplate is period inscribed with the original owner's name: "NICK B. KATSAROS." Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Fitted with a set of S&W medallion checkered Magna grips. Includes a period correct model factory box, knurled handle screwdriver, bore brush, and period Registered Magnum advertising brochure.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Documented Presentation Inscribed Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver Presented by S&W Vice President Douglas Wesson to Myres Saddle Co. Founder Sam D. Myres with Factory Letter and Myres Holster

Lot 495

D. Wesson Presented Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Revolver

Offered here is a factory presentation inscribed Registered Magnum revolver presented by S&W Vice President Douglas Wesson to Sam Myres. The accompanying factory letter confirms the registration number (409), 8 3/4 inch barrel, blue finish, square notch rear sight and presentation inscription on the right side plate. The inscription reads, “Sighted in for/SAM D. MYRES/by/MAJOR D.B. WESSON.” The revolver had a King red post on reflector ramp base front sight and checkered walnut grips with grip adapters attached when it was shipped on September 3, 1935, and delivered to S.D. Myres of El Paso, Texas. The revolver was sighted in at 25 yards using .357 Magnum ammunition at a 6 o’clock hold. Born in Texas in 1871, Sam D. Myres, AKA Tio Sam, founded his famed saddlery and leather business in Sweetwater, Texas, in 1897 and offered some of the country’s finest saddles money could buy. His Spanish speaking friends gave him the nickname Tio or Uncle because his bearded face reminded them of the American character Uncle Sam. A humbled Myres said, “I want to do the job right. I don’t want to make them ashamed they asked me to lead the parade.” And he did just that. In 1916, the S.D. Myres Saddle Co. produced the world’s most expensive stock saddle. With a sticker price of $10,000 (roughly $230,000 in today’s money), the saddle featured fine tooling, gold, silver and 247 diamonds. During World War I, the company turned out 5,000 saddles for the U.S. government, receiving a citation from President Woodrow Wilson for superior quality that went well above specifications. As stated by the government, “The saddles produced by this contractor were of such good quality and workmanship that inspection was only a matter of form.” The master marksman Ed McGivern was known to draw his weapons from Myres holsters. The legendary World War II General George S. Patton wore a Myres holster on a Myres belt. The general’s holster for his Colt Single Action Army became almost inseparable from the image of the American war icon. A quick draw leather holster designed by the company became standard issued equipment for the FBI. These are just a few anecdotes from a long and proud history of the company that Myres founded. Myres should also be remembered as a civic leader. During his tenure as mayor of Sweetwater, the city government was reorganized and the city was modernized with paved streets and sidewalks and the addition of a city hall and fire station. He died in 1953. Smith & Wesson was well acquainted with Myres and his company. Three included documents (photocopies) confirm the relationship. The first is an advertisement for the S.D. Myres Saddle Co. store listing S&W revolvers for sale. The second is a September 1943 dated letter from S&W informing a buyer where to obtain a holster. The S&W sales manager lists three leather companies, which includes S.D. Myres. The third and most important document is letter dated January 1942 that is from S&W employee Cy Bassett to Sam Myres. In the letter, Bassett expresses that Douglas Wesson will directly contact Myres in the near future. This letter verifies that Douglas Wesson had a personal relationship with Sam Myres. Each S&W Registered Magnum was built to the specifications of the buyer, then registered by number to the owner by Douglas Wesson himself, the then Vice President of S&W. This is one of only 735 Registered Magnums manufactured with an 8 3/4 inch barrel, and it features a pinned blade front sight and standard S&W factory markings with “REG. 409” stamped on the yoke. Matching serial numbers are stamped on the butt, ejector shroud and cylinder. The assembly number “4376” is stamped on the yoke and crane. It comes with an exquisite full coverage floral tooled holster manufactured by S.D. Myres Saddle Co. It is accompanied by consignor research that includes several photographs of Myres, 5 Myres Co. catalogs, Sandra Myres’ “S.D. Myres: Saddlemaker” and related documents such as letters, newspaper articles and memos. The included article (photocopy) in the March 1951 issue of "The Horse Lover Magazine" has a photograph of Myres holding this revolver. The accompanying June 1952 issue of "The Texas gun Collector" (photocopy) references this revolver as being owned by Sam D. Myres. Provenance: The Chad Gripp Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Well-Documented, Identified Indiana Attorney General, Supreme Court Chief Justice and Circuit Court Judge Owned Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter and Other Documentation

Lot 496

Judge's Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

This particular Registered Magnum (reg. no. 2303) is one of 1,518 manufactured with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on June 1, 1937 and delivered to Judge James Emmert, 16th Judicial Circuit, Shellyville, Indiana, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish Patridge 1/10 inch front sight, and square notch rear sight. The right grip panel is numbered to another gun and is hand marked "S. Stiles/Shoals, Ind" on the inside. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Included are several documents related to the purchase and delivery of the revolver. In a March 29, 1937 dated letter addressed to S&W on 16th Judicial Circuit letterhead, Judge Emmert requested from S&W "all the dope you have on [the .357 Magnum revolver]." S&W's response is included as well as Judge Emmert's second letter to S&W thanking the company for "the special price of $48.00 including tax" offer for a brand new .357 Magnum revolver. Additional included correspondence indicated that Judge Emmert did not like the original front sight. The judge explained: "The front sight will have to be raised if I am to get all out of the gun that I can." The revolver was returned to the S&W factory where it was fitted with a new sight. Judge Emmert was satisfied with the new sight and stated in his last letter to S&W, "I wish to thank you very much for the new front sight for my .357 Magnum, and for the return of the old sight also. The new one is just right for .38 full charge wad cutters at 25 yards." The S&W order form and invoice for Judge Emmert's original order are also included. At the age of 33, James A. Emmert (1895-1974) was elected judge of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Indiana. "It was an unusual honor for a man of his years," stated one local observer, "but one fitly bestowed upon a record as a very thorough and painstaking lawyer, and the confidence of the people has been fully justified in the administration he had given of the difficult duties of this office." In 1940, he made a failed bid for the Republican party nomination for Governor of Indiana. Two years later he was elected Attorney General of Indiana and served two terms. In 1946, he was elected to the Indiana Supreme Court and reelected in 1952, and during his final year on the bench he served as Chief Justice. Provenance: The Gary Garbrecht Collection; The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Smith & Wesson Non-Registered .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 497

Smith & Wesson Non-Registered .357 Magnum Revolver

Non-Registered .357 revolvers are much more rare than their Registered Magnum model counterparts, with only about 1,400 manufactured compared to about 5,400 Registered Magnums. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on May 8, 1940 and delivered to Paul Hornick Co. of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with a rare 8 3/8 inch barrel (one of only a small number manufactured), blue finish, and checkered Magna grips. This was a single gun shipment billed at $39.00. Call gold bead front sight and adjustable notch rear sight. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Wolf & Klar 3rd Model Double Action Revolver with Very Scarce 4 inch Barrel Attributed to a U.S. Secret Service Agent Assigned to President Franklin Roosevelt

Lot 498

Secret Service Agent's Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Revolver

Manufactured from 1926 to 1941. As stated in the accompanying 2010 dated and signed letter of provenance on Collector Firearms letterhead, this revolver belonged to United States Secret Service Agent Michael Levis who was assigned President Franklin Roosevelt's detail. The letter is written by Levis' grandson. The revolver remained in the family until Levis' grandson parted with it in 2010. Included is a picture of Agent Levis walking along side the presidential motorcade with President Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Roosevelt served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945, guiding America through the Great Depression and World War II. It was Levis' duty to protect the president who, in 1933 as President-elect, had been targeted in a failed an assassination attempt. As a wartime president Roosevelt received greater protection by becoming the first U.S. President to travel in an armored vehicle, which once belonged to infamous gangster Al Capone. The revolver is fitted with the rare short 4 inch barrel as the standard length was 6 1/2 inches. These short barrel lengths were preferred by law enforcement agencies. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud. The revolver wears a set of stag grips. Provenance: Secret Service Agent Michael Levis; The Levis Family; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W special

Price Realized:

Two Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolvers Carried by a Nevada Deputy Sheriff with Holster and Two Sheriff Badges -A) Smith & Wesson King Super Target .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 499

Two Smith & Wesson Revolvers Carried by a Nevada Deputy Sheriff

These two Smith & Wesson revolvers were carried by Washoe County, Nevada Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Robert F. Washburn (1909-1992). In the accompanying typewritten, unsigned letter, Lt. Washburn’s nephew reminisces about the deputy sheriff who treated his nephew like a son. The nephew’s childhood was filled with memories of his uncle taking him to father-son events put on by the local Masonic Lodge and riding along with this uncle in the sheriff’s car. The nephew’s father was also a Washoe County Deputy Sheriff whose law enforcement career abruptly ended when seriously injured from being struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver while on duty helping victims of a car accident and it is his father’s picture (copy) that is included. A native of New York City, Robert F. Washburn was born on September 27, 1909, was a World War II Army veteran, moved to Reno, Nevada, in 1947, retired from the Washoe County Sheriff’s office in 1971 (achieved the rank of lieutenant in 1962), and died in January 1992 at the age of 82. Period newspapers articles piece together highlights from Lt. Washburn’s tenure with the sheriff’s office. There were high speed car chases, rounding up drunken teenagers, making traffic arrests, giving testimony in manslaughter cases, and interviewing and escorting murder suspects. There were also harrowing incidents such a subduing a man who pulled out a knife during a routine traffic stop, receiving a broken finger and lacerations during an altercation with a prison inmate, and storming the home of an individual who threatened law enforcement officers with dynamite. Accompanying these handguns are two of Lt. Washburn’s Washoe County, Nevada Deputy Sheriff badges. These badges are the classic six-pointed star pattern, and each badge comes in a black leather badge holder. The first badge features Lt. Washburn’s name on the front and has an inlaid stone. The badge holder contains a laminated Miranda Warning card and a business card for George F. Cake Co., a law enforcement equipment dealer in California. The second badge is inscribed “LIEUTENANT” and is marked on the back “ENTENMANN/GENUINE/’PLATILOY’/ON/’CARLTONE’/LOS ANGELES, 15.” The badge holder is embossed “WASHOE CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Reno, Nevada/Robert F. Washburn” on the exterior and contains Washburn’s deputy sheriff’s ID card and several of Washburn’s deputy sheriff business cards. Finally, there are several used match target score cards with many signed by Washburn. The "A" gun was manufactured in 1915-1942 with this example featuring a full vent rib King Super Target package. The vent rib is marked "S&W-KING SUPER TARGET" on the left side. There is a red bead front sight on a mirror base, a fully adjustable white outlined square notch rear sight, and a trigger shoe. The revolver wears an after-market Fitz Ten-O-Grip as installed by Lt. Washburn. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. Includes a sight adjustment tool and Brauer Brothers open top/open toe leather holster.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Mining Company Shipped Smith & Wesson .22 Hand Ejector Third Model Target "Ladysmith" Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter and Holster

Lot 500

Mining Company Shipped S&W .22 Hand Ejector Target with

The included factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 inch barrel, adjustable rear target sight, blue finish, and walnut grips when shipped on February 19, 1914 to the Phelps Dodge Mining Co. in Bisbee, Arizona. At the time of shipping, Phelps Dodge was running the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee. This mine was likely the final destination for this pistol. The Copper Queen Mine was first opened when United States Army scout Jack Dunn found a deposit of lead carbonate while searching for a better water source than the one his unit had been drinking from. Dunn began working with a prospector named George Warren who promised to name Dunn as the main proprietor of any mines he founded. After running out on the deal with Dunn, Warren would loose his claims to the Copper Queen Mine through a series of drunken gambling blunders culminating in him betting that he could outrun a man on horseback. The mine would be run by Phelps Dodge from 1885 to 1975 where they would use their new methods of smelting to extract copper from the very rich ground. Ultimately the mine would close in 1975 and converted to be a tourist attraction in the area by offering mine tours. Included with the revolver is a lightly tooled leather holster with "4756/22 6" on the loop.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 S&W

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 29 .44 Magnum Double Action Revolver with Case and Factory Letter

Lot 501

Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Revolver

Manufactured in 1956-1957. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 6 1/2 inch barrel with blue finish and Goncalo Alves target grips when shipped to Graves Humphrey Co. in Roanoke, Virginia on November 2, 1961. The letter notes further that the revolver was shipped late for its serial number. The included correspondence from S&W historian Roy Jinks states that this revolver was shipped so late because it was on an advertising account to an unknown party. Includes a S&W monogram case and cleaning tools. The most recent research shows this revolver, as documented by the S&W Historical Foundation, to be the latest known shipped (1961) five-screw .44 Magnum.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Magnum

Price Realized:

Lot 502

Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 29 .44 Magnum Revolver with Case

Manufactured in 1956-1957. The included factory letter states this revolver has no shipping date, and is thus "technically stolen". Roy Jinks clarifies this term in a follow up letter stating that it is the term used by Smith & Wesson for revolvers which may have been a clerical error or misplaced and not reported stolen. To further add to the interesting nature of this revolver, the left side of the grip frame has not one, but two, factory return dates (1159 and 776). The revolver is fitted with red blade front and adjustable rear sights. Matching serial numbers stamped on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. Includes a S&W display case.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Magnum

Price Realized:

Excellent and Very Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 16-2 K-32 Masterpiece Double Action Revolver

Lot 503

Smith & Wesson Model 16-2 K-32 Masterpiece Revolver

This is one of only 3,630 Model 16 revolvers S&W manufactured over a 26 year period starting in 1947. It is the rarest of the standard K-Masterpiece series. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, and inside the frame.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 S&W Long

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Pre-Model 29 Double Action Revolver with Case

Lot 504

Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Pre-Model 29 Revolver with Case

Manufactured in 1956-1957. Fitted with red blade front and adjustable rear sights and checkered rosewood grips. With S&W display case and cleaning tools.

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Magnum

Price Realized:

Exceptional Smith & Wesson Model 16-3 K-32 Masterpiece Double Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter

Lot 505

Smith & Wesson K-32 Masterpiece Model 16-3 Revolver

This is one of only 3,630 Model 16 revolvers S&W manufactured over a 26 year period starting in 1947. It is the rarest of the standard K-Masterpiece series. The accompanying factory states the revolver was shipped on January 19, 1973 and delivered to Freeland's Scope Stand Inc. of Rock Island, Illinois with a 6 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut grips. In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks noted the significance of the serial number, 3K46599: "The factory does not keep records as to the last serial number of a series manufactured. Based on the letters I have done over the years this is the highest numbered K-32 I have letter to this date." The letter is dated August 5, 2005. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Comes with the original S&W blue box, screwdriver, and cleaning rod with two attachments. Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 S&W Long

Price Realized:

Lot 506

Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

Manufactured in 1973-1974. Fitted with blade front and adjustable rear sights. The left side is fitted with the manufacturer information with "PAT'S PENDING" on the right. The model marking and serial number are on the left side of the frame above the trigger with the Smith and Wesson logo on the right side and import mark on the magazine well. The pistol is fitted with a set of checkered S&W monogram grips. Includes original box and a Swiss police manual for the Model 39. The Model 39 was adopted by police departments across Switzerland and are typically marked with the crest of the Canton in which the department serves.

Documentation

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Para

Lot 1026

Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

This Smith & Wesson No. 1 lever action repeating pistol was manufactured in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854-55. Total production of the No.1 lever action pistol was approximately 1,200 pieces. This pistol has the distinctive part-round/part-octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, toggle lever with finger hole, and two-piece, bag-shaped grips. The pistol has the "Type II" crowned muzzle, narrow muzzle collar, rounded T-bar magazine lock spring, and flat, "clam-shell" magazine follower. The barrel has a brass front sight with flattened blade. A fixed rear sight is mounted on the receiver. The receiver, side plates, back strap, and back of the hammer are decorated with the factory open scroll and leaf pattern engraving which was standard on most S&W No.1 pistols. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." The right barrel flat is stamped: "CAST-STEEL" reading toward the receiver. The left flat is roll-stamped: "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854". The serial number is stamped on the left side of the grip strap beneath the grip and in the lever cut-out. "37" is stamped on the inside of each grip. All the visible serial numbers match. The letter "F" is stamped on the right side of the loading lever. The barrel and integral magazine have a brown finish, the receiver, side plates and bolt are blued, and the hammer and lever are color casehardened. The rosewood grips have a high gloss piano finish. Smith & Wesson lever action repeating pistols are rare and historically significant. The toggle lever action, spring-loaded magazine, and self-contained primed cartridge were highly significant developments in the evolution of repeating firearms. The Smith & Wesson lever action repeating pistols were pioneer arms for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester and are rare and very desirable pistols. Provenance: The Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Outstanding Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 1080

Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Revolver

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with nickel finish and 8 inch barrel when sold on June 15, 1872 and shipped to M.W. Robinson, New York City, S&W's largest distributor. This shipment was for 120 units. It features the standard one-line address/patent dates barrel rib marking, standard sights, provision for a lanyard ring (filler screw) on the butt, a right grip panel numbered to the gun, and matching assembly numbers on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W American

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare and Excellent Etched Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Double Action Revolver

Lot 1084

Etched Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Revolver

This stunning Smith & Wesson is a 32 Second Model manufactured in 1902-1909. Around 78,500 of this model were made, but this revolver features incredibly rare and beautifully executed scroll etching over most of the metal making it stand out from the rest. The factory records (not included) indicate the revolver shipped on December 7, 1903, and no mention of the embellishment was noted. However, eleven .38 Safety revolvers were similarly etched in 1899, and the work is almost certainly factory. The barrel is numbered "86590", the latch is numbered "112898", the cylinder has a "2" along with a "K" and dot under the ejector, and the butt is numbered "122900". Provenance: The Donald C. Fogg Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 S&W

Price Realized:

Attractive Nickel and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson First Model .32 Safety Hammerless Double Action Revolver with Inscribed Pearl Grips

Lot 1085

Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Double Action Revolver

Manufactured between 1888-1902. The cylinder and grip safety are gold plated, the trigger guard is blue, the trigger is casehardened, and the remaining parts are nickel. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address/patent dates, and the matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and rear of the barrel. Pinned half moon front sight and fixed notch rear sight, casehardened hammer and fitted with pearl grips with the right panel inscribed "HH" at the top and "SASKATOON/SASK". The significance is unknown. Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. A star is stamped forward the serial number indicating this revolver was returned to the factory probably for re-plating.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 CF

Price Realized:

Documented New York Engraved and Inscribed Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier Revolver Linked to a Montana Gold Mine

Lot 1086

Engraved Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier Revolver

Offered here is a period engraved early production S&W .44 Double Action Frontier revolver with the name "H.S. Sherard" engraved on the back strap. Period publications mention H.S. Sherard as a mining engineer and as a manager of the Gilt Edge Mine in Montana, circa 1893. The Gilt Edge Mine was a cyanide gold mine located in Fergus County, Montana, that opened in 1883. The mine and adjacent town prospered until 1912. About 100,000 ounces of gold were removed from the earth by the time the mine closed in 1991. The revolver certainly has the look of a working gun carried at the hip for protection and as a status symbol for a Montana gold mine manager in the late 19th century. The revolver is decorated in an extensive deeply carved period scroll engraving on a punch dot background. The barrel rib has the two-line S&W address/patent dates marking. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel latch, and barrel. The revolver is pictured in Michael Kennelly's "Smith & Wesson Engraving" on page 108 and Jesse Hardin's "Old Guns and Whispering Ghosts" on page 134. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action 4th Model Revolver with Relief Carved Dragon Grips

Lot 1087

Engraved Smith & Wesson 32 Double Action with Carved Grips

Introduced in 1883. Featuring near full coverage engraved tight scrollwork and wonderful and unusual relief carved dragon grips with each panel having a different depiction of the legendary folklore beast. Likely embellished in Japan. Unnumbered cylinder. Matching serial numbers on the butt, barrel and barrel latch. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; Property of a Genteman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 S&W

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Tiffany Shipped and Deluxe Embellished Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless 1st Model Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 1088

Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Double Action Revolver

From the 1880s to the early 1900s, the self-described “American multinational luxury jewelry and specialty retailer” Tiffany & Co. created spectacular and expensive highly embellished deluxe handguns and rifles for America’s leading firearms manufacturers such as Colt, Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The “rich and elaborate decorations” on handguns alone set a customer back $50.00 to $300.00 or about $1,400.00 to $8,600.00 in today’s money. The number of surviving Tiffany firearms remain unknown, but studies clearly show that S&W benefited the most from Tiffany’s world renowned master craftsmanship. Tiffany S&Ws are arguably the rarest and most desirable of the late 19th century American high art firearms, and offered here is one of those rare prizes in firearms art collecting that help define a private or public collection. The largest public display of Tiffany embellished 19th century arms can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Gallery 372. The lion’s share of the display was donated and/or sold by Dr. Gerald Klaz. Tiffany marked each piece they made on special order. The sterling silver grip on this revolver features fine etched Art Nouveau style floral scrollwork. The grip is signed “TIFFANY & CO./10076M7806/STERLING.” The numbers refer to the pattern and order and the letter “M” denotes Tiffany products which were made from 1873 to 1891. The etching extends to the rear of the frame with the original owners initials “P.D.O.” amongst the embellishment on the left side. The serial number appears on the cylinder and barrel. The accompanying factory letter lists this fine and highly sought after piece of 19th century firearms art with a 3 ½ inch barrel, nickel finish and checkered black hard rubber grips when shipped on October 30, 1889 and delivered directly to Tiffany & Co. of New York City. Provenance: The Dr. Gerlad Klaz Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 S&W

Lot 1090

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver

Introduced in 1887, the New Model 3 dominated target competitions in the late 1800s. This is a high condition example chambered for one of the rarest calibers in the New Model line, .38 Long Colt, and would be a worthy addition to the most advanced collection. The revolver has the one-line barrel rib address, short cylinder, target sights, S&W medallion checkered grips of nicely figured walnut, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel latch and barrel. As stated it is chambered in .38 Long Colt, which is among the rarest special order calibers for the New Model No. 3. Although exact production numbers remain unknown, special order calibers were manufactured on a limited basis only, and are some of the most desirable and sought after S&Ws today. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; Property of a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Lot 1091

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Frontier Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on October 26, 1900 (all frames manufactured prior to 1899, making this model antique) to Hall-Collins Hardware Co. (Columbus, Ohio) with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered black hard rubber grips. With the revolver is the original S&W box numbered to the gun. As S&W historian Roy Jinks stated in the factory letter, "This is a great collector's item with the original box." The retail price for this model when it was shipped was $13.75. The barrel rib has the two-line S&W address/patent dates marking. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel latch, and barrel. The brown factory box features the green Frontier label listing blue finish and 4 inch barrel. These factory boxes are rarely encountered. The interior of the box lid has the directions label, and the box contains a bore brush.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 1095

U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Revolver

This is a fine original example of a First Model Schofield Single Action revolver. A total of 3,035 of these were manufactured in 1875 with seven inch barrels, walnut grips and blue finish as standard. The distinctive features of this revolver are the barrel catch attached to the frame rather than the top strap, the gracefully shaped frame and shorter ejector housing. The U.S. Ordnance Department ordered almost the entire production. Many were issued to the 4th Cavalry and the black troops of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the Indian Wars. Some notorious outlaws and lawmen of the Old West were known to have carried a Schofield as well. The left side of the ejector housing is marked with the two line address/patent dates and "+SCHOFIELD'S PAT APR 22D 1873+" on the right side. The toe of the back strap is marked "US". The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, with the letter "L" below it, and on the inside of the right grip panel. The letter "L" also appears on the frame under the cylinder and the bottom of the ejector housing flat is marked "L" "P". The top of the back strap is period stamped "237". All blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, pinned blade front sight and fitted with smooth walnut grips with a clear 4 letter boxed cartouche on the lower left grip panel. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 S&W

Very Scarce Turkish Contract Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 .44 Rimfire Single Action Revolver

Lot 1096

Turkish Contract Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

This scarce Smith & Wesson was produced on order for the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish Contract New Model No. 3 was chambered for the .44 Henry Rimfire, a cartridge that was already on the decline on the domestic market but still in demand overseas. Springfield Armory provided the Ottoman government the services of one of their inspectors, A. F. Cameron, to serve as their representative and chief inspector for the contract run. His initials are marked on the top of the left grip panel on this revolver. The inspection mark "P" is visible on the rear face of the cylinder and the frame beneath the cylinder. The barrel latch is unnumbered. Matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel and cylinder.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Single Action Revolver

Lot 1153

U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Revolver

A total of 3,035 of these were manufactured in 1875 with seven inch barrels, walnut grips and blue finish as the standard finish. The U.S. Ordnance Department ordered almost the entire production. Many were issued to the 4th Cavalry and the black troops of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the Indian Wars. Some notorious outlaws and lawmen of the Old West were known to have carried a Schofield as well. The ejector housing has the two-line address/patent dates on the left side and "SCHOFIELD'S PAT APR 22D 1873" on the right side. The toe of the back strap is marked "US". The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, and right grip panel. U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector mark "L" and "P" appear on the rear cylinder face, and underside of the barrel lug. The left grip panel has an Ordnance script letter cartouche. The number "1" on both bottoms of the grip panels and left grip panel at the top.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 S&W Schofield

Price Realized:

Lot 1313

U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Army

The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver was on January 16, 1918 and delivered to U.S. Government, Eastern States Terminal, Springfield, Massachusetts, with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, butt swivel, and smooth walnut grips. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" marked on the underside of the barrel, U.S. Ordnance bomb on left side of frame, eagle proofs on barrel, inside and left side of frame, and rear of cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the butt, both grip panels, cylinder, and barrel.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1338

Vietnam War Smith & Wesson Model 60 Double Action Revolver

It is with great respect and honor that Rock Island Auction Co. presents U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant William L. Sullivan’s personal S&W Model 60 Revolver. Lt. Sullivan was an infantry unit commander with C Co., 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and was killed in action on the Fourth of July 1970. The provided August 12, 1970, dated US Army Support Command, Saigon directive involving the shipment of personnel effects of deceased personnel to the next of kin reaffirms Lt. Sullivan’s service with the 101st Airborne as well as his ultimate sacrifice for his country. Additional information about his service comes from his obituary which states, Lt. Sullivan “was killed in action Saturday, July 4, 1970, while on a combat mission with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam…He graduated from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Special Warfare (airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC, and had been in Vietnam since February.” This pistol traveled with Lt. Sullivan to Vietnam as the included ATF Form 6 directs that a Model 60 Revolver belonging to Lt. Sullivan to be imported from the USA Personal Property Depot, Saigon, to the U.S. and returned to his widow living in Colorado in late July 1970, less than a month after his death. The 101st was deployed to South Vietnam in 1967. The division included the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 501st. By the end to the war, the 101st participated in 12 campaigns. At the time of Lt. Sullivan’s death, the 2nd Battalion, 501st was participating in the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord, a 23 day siege that started on July 1, 1970. Lt. Sullivan was killed on July 4th. His cause of death was recorded as “died through hostile action, explosive device,” and the location of this death was recorded at “Ridge SE Fr Hill 902 Vic Fsb Ripcord, South Vietnam, Thua Thien province.” He was only 27 years old. The Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord lasted 23 days and was the last major confrontation between U.S. ground forces and the PAVN during the Vietnam War. 75 U.S. service members were killed during the course of the battle. The PAVN suffered over 400 loses. Due to heavy American causalities, U.S. officers requested volunteers from other units to join the fierce fighting. Realizing their position could not be defended, U.S. command ordered a withdrawal. Ripcord was abandoned on July 23rd and was subsequently carpet bombed by American B-52 bombers. The 23 day siege has been credited as severely crippling the PAVN’s offensive capability, thus delaying their Easter Offensive in 1972. The early "R" prefix serial number dates the revolver to 1969, the first year when the “R” prefix was assigned to the model. The accompanying original receipt for the revolver clearly shows that this gun listed by serial number was sold to Lt. Sullivan on December 10, 1969, by Richard Johnson from Lt. Sullivan's home state of Nebraska. The Model 60 was the first production stainless steel revolver manufactured by S&W. Its compact size and rust resistant properties made the Model 60 a highly sought after backup sidearm for soldiers deployed to the tropics of Eastern Asia during the Vietnam War. The demand for the revolver exceeded supply, leaving many to pay inflated prices. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Includes the original box, cleaning rod with wire bore brush, S&W statement of liability without registration card, and instructions. This lot is made even more personal with an included May 1970 letter with military postage free envelope addressed to Dr. Robert Ayres of Lincoln, Nebraska. The letter was handwritten by Lt. Sullivan while receiving medical treatment at the 67th Evacuation Hospital, Qui Nhon, Vietnam, for a serious infection caused by “a minor jab from some bamboo stubble (NOT a punji stake)”. Also included is a handwritten note from Lt. Sullivan’s widow stating that her husband took this Model 60 with him to Vietnam and she was now giving the revolver to Dr. Robert Ayres.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target (Pre-Model 24) Double Action "Club Gun" Revolver Inscribed to California Democrat Cecil R. King with Gold Box and Factory Letter

Lot 1516

Cecil R. King Inscribed S&W .44 Hand Ejector Revolver with Box

The included factory letter lists this revolver in .44 Special with a 6 inch barrel, bright blue finish, rosewood grips and engraved "Cecil R. King" when shipped on May 22, 1952. The revolver is fitted with target sights and marked with "SMITH & WESSON" on the left and "44 S&W SPECIAL CTG" on the right. The frame is marked with the S&W monogram on the left. The ejector shroud is stamped with the "B" inside a diamond refinish marking from when the revolver received the current extra polished deluxe blue finish. Matching "Club Gun" serial number (0472) stamped on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. These revolvers were intended to be given or loaned to shooting clubs and individuals as test guns. Notable shooters received several, and some of them show shipments to several people or clubs. The sideplate is inscribed "Cecil R. King". Cecil R. King (January 13, 1898-March 17, 1974) served as a member of the California State Assembly representing the 67th district from 1937-1942. He was then elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives, serving as the first representative of California's 17th district from 1942-1969. It was during his time in the House of Representatives that King would receive this revolver. During his time in office, King would vote in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of the 50s and 60s and the 24th Amendment. Before making his entrance into politics, King fought in World War I as a private. Includes a S&W gold box with an added and remarked end label.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W special

Price Realized:

Documented Early Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 1517

Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

This particular Registered Magnum with low reg. no. 302 is one of 1,518 manufactured with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on August 6, 1935 and delivered to Edwards & Walker of Portland, Maine, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, 1/10 inch Patridge front sight (currently fitted with a blade front sight with red insert), square notch rear sight, and grip adapter. The included invoices from Edwards & Walker Co. and S&W and S&W order form indicate that this order contained two Registered Magnums with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. The accompanying letter from S&W addressed to Edwards & Walker Co., attn: St. John states that the two revolvers were assigned registered nos. 301 and 302 and again confirmed the barrel length as 6 1/2 inches. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Provenance: The Gary Garbrecht Collection; The Ray Cheely Collection; The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Historic Retailer Engraved Smith & Wesson "Wolf & Klar" .44 Hand Ejector Third Model Double Action Revolver with Attractive Relief Steer Head Carved Pearl Grips and S.D. Myers Holster Attributed to Texas County Sheriff Killed in the Line of Duty

Lot 1519

Engraved Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector Third Model Revolver

The S&W .44 Hand Ejector Third Model revolver is also known as the "Wolf & Klar Model" due to the famed Texas retailer requesting a shrouded extractor barrel to be reintroduced. This example shows the typical Wolf & Klar retailer engraving and modifications, fit for a Texas lawman. This specific revolver includes documentation attributing it to a Texas county sheriff. An included signed affidavit states that the revolver and holster were purchased from Jack Sturman of Tulia, Texas, the county seat of Swisher County. Sturman owned the J&G Department store in Tulia and stated that he had bought the gun and holster from the family of Swisher County Sheriff John C. Moseley. Moseley was sheriff of Swisher County from 6 November 1928 until killed in the line of duty on 23 January 1933. The affidavit incorrectly lists the serial number as "30674", but includes pictures, which undoubtedly show this revolver and holster. Local newspapers from the period are filled with articles covering the gunfight with three outlaws in which Sheriff Moseley was killed. Moseley had pursued the outlaws in a brief car chase to a filling station where a gunfight broke out, ending with the sheriff being shot and killed at close range. The revolver shows the typical Wolf & Klar retailer pattern zig-zag line engraving which forms floral and geometric patterns encompassing most of the surfaces. The left of the barrel has the manufacturer marking while the right has the caliber marking. The Smith & Wesson trademark is on the left of the frame while "MADE IN U.S.A." is on the right. There is a registered patent mark on the rear surface of the hammer. Matching assembly numbers, "83817", are on the frame and crane. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear of the cylinder, and in the ejector rod shroud. It is fitted with a blade front sight and frame top groove rear sight. It is also fitted with, likely by Wolf & Klar at the time of engraving, a pair of pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel which is fitted with red glass bead eyes. Includes an attractively floral tooled leather holster by S.D. Myres of El Paso, Texas, which is marked "44/4" on the back along with the maker's mark.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W special

Price Realized:

Documented Famed Texas Retailer Wolf & Klar Shipped and Engraved Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Fourth Change Double Action Revolver with Relief Steer Head Carved Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 1520

Wolf & Klar Engraved Smith & Wesson .38 M&P Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on November 19, 1923 to famed Forth Worth, Texas, retailer Wolf & Klar Co. with a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and checkered non-monogrammed square butt grips. The revolver is decorated with characteristic Wolf & Klar zig-zag engraving in vine and leaf, bordering, floral blossoms, and even butterflies. The revolver is further enhanced with a set of pearl grips featuring a jewel eyed relief carved steer head on the right side. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and barrel.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Price Realized:

Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson Model 25-3 125th Anniversary Double Action Class III/NFA Short Barreled Rifle

Lot 1527

Smith & Wesson Model 25-3 Class III/NFA Short Barreled Rifle

Manufactured in 1977 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Smith & Wesson, this revolver has been subsequently engraved, gold inlaid, and converted to a short barreled rifle. The revolver displays near full coverage German oak leaf and acorn engraving with gold inlaid barrel markings, ring at the muzzle, sight ramp outline, initials "PME" on the crane, border on the cylinder, oak leaves on the left of the frame, a moose in a woods scene on the right side above the trigger guard, and commemorative markings on the sideplate. Import marked and 1979 dated German proofs on the frame. Fitted with red ramp front and adjustable rear sights, a set of finger groove fish scale checkered grips, and a detachable shoulder stock with engraved attaching iron, fish scale pattern panel on both sides of the wrist, raised cheekpiece on the left, an elaborately relief carved scene of two moose in a wooded scene, and solid Kimber recoil pad.

Documentation

Class III

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Attractive Russ Smith Engraved Pre-World War II Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman Double Action Revolver with Carved Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 1528

Russ Smith Engraved Smith & Wesson 38/44 Outdoorsman

Manufactured from 1931 to 1941, this is a handsome example of a S&W .38/44 Outdoorsman (Pre-War) revolver embellished by S&W Master engraver Russ Smith after World War II for Charles "Trigger" McGowan, a S&W service department employee who worked over 50 years for the company. The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver left the factory on January 29, 1937, and was delivered to F.L.C. McGowan Co. of Easthampton, MA, (Charles McGowan's sideline business) with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut grips. The letter confirms that the engraving, checkered walnut grips and other extras were added when Russ Smith engraved the revolver. The engraving covers 70% of the surfaces and consists of floral scrollwork, geometric line patterns and animal scenes. The right side plate has an engraved scene depicting a bear in a tree, and the left side of the frame under the cylinder has an engraving depicting a wild cat in tall grasses. Charles McGowan's initials are script engraved on the trigger guard. The standard S&W markings remain. It is fitted with a Keith long range front sight and a square notch adjustable rear sight. The Magna grips feature a relief oak leaf and acorn carving on a checkered background. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, ejector shroud and cylinder. The assembly number "4091" is found on the yoke and crane. Provenance: The Chad Gripp Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Price Realized:

Historic, Well-Documented, Factory Presentation Inscribed Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver Presented by Smith & Wesson Vice President Douglas Wesson to Big Game Hunter Colonel Alexander J. "Sandy" MacNab with Factory Letter

Lot 1529

Factory Presentation S&W Registered Magnum Revolver

Offered here is a presentation inscribed Registered Magnum revolver presented by S&W Vice President Douglas Wesson to Colonel Alexander J. "Sandy" MacNab. This revolver is accompanied by documents that verify the historic presentation. The factory letter (photocopy) confirms the registration number (1183), 6 1/2 inch barrel and inscription on the right side plate. This inscription reads, "COLONEL SANDY MACNAB/FROM/DOUG WESSON." It was shipped on June 26, 1936, and delivered to Colonel A.J. MacNab without an address listed. Born in 1878 in Idaho, Colonel MacNab enjoyed a successful U.S. military career that spanned the Spanish-American War to the inter-war period. During the Philippines Campaign following the Spanish-American War, Col. MacNab gained a reputation for unwavering bravery. In one insurrectionist province he received the moniker “El Presidente.” From 1907 to 1917, he was rated the best pistol shot in the Army. His un-matched marksmanship led him to be assigned to the staff of General John Pershing during World War I. It was Pershing who placed Col. MacNab in command of a rifle school at Le Mans where 200,000 men learned marksmanship with the Springfield rifle every six days. He rightfully became known as “the man who taught the AEF how to shoot.” After the war he supervised the international pistol and rifle competition at Camp Perry, Ohio. From 1927 to 1930, Col. MacNab served as a military attaché in Mexico. Unable to receive a general’s star, he retired in 1935 and served as an instructor for both the New York and New Jersey National Guards. At the outbreak of World War II, Col. MacNab was recalled to serve as a liaison officer to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. As a big game hunter, he likely shot every species of North American game. He led two safaris to Africa. His 1938 safari brought back two tons of trophies for the American Museum of Natural History and the first color film footage of an albino giraffe. He died at the age of 77 in 1955. As to his connection to Douglas Wesson, a typewritten letter dated April 30, 1994 and signed by Clifford J. Edwards, M.D., of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, provides a story of friendship and historic revelations related to the development of the .357 Registered Magnum. We will allow Edwards to explain in his own words: “Some years ago, in the early 1930s, I believe, when Sandy was taking a trip to Alaska, his friend, Doug Wesson gave him a pistol and asked Sandy to try it out and give Doug his opinion of it. On Sandy’s return, Doug asked him what he thought of it. Sandy replied, ‘It’s pretty nice; I think I’ll keep it.’ Doug replied, ‘The hell you will, that’s the prototype. I’ll give you one of the first when it goes into production.’” The pistol Wesson gave Col. MacNab was the prototype to the .357 Registered Magnum. When the Registered Magnum went into production, Wesson kept his promise and presented Col. MacNab with this revolver. As the first production firearm chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, the Registered Magnum set a new standard in firepower and accuracy. Each Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum was built to the specifications of the buyer, then registered by number to the owner by Douglas Wesson himself, the then Vice President of Smith & Wesson. According to Edwards, Col. MacNab used “the revolver for many years,” which included use on his Alaskan bear and moose hunts, resulting in the original firing pin having to be replaced, and the grips were modified by Col. MacNab himself for a steadier hold. This is one of 1,518 Registered Magnums manufactured with 6 1/2 inch barrels, and it features a McGivern front sight, adjustable “U” notched rear sight and standard S&W factory markings with “REG. 1183” stamped on the yoke. Matching serial numbers are stamped on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder and ejector shroud. The assembly number “6096” is stamped on the yoke and crane. Provenance: The Chad Gripp Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Well-Documented One-of-a-Kind Wolf & Klar Ordered Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Only Known 1/10 Inch Military-Cross Lined Front Sight and Factory Letter

Lot 1530

Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

This .357 Registered Magnum (reg. no. 1400) is one of only 839 S&W manufactured with a 6 inch barrel and is the only one known with a factory 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 23, 1936, and delivered to R.D. Heath of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, with a 6 inch barrel, 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight, rear sight to match, blue finish, grip adapter, and checkered walnut grips. Additional included documents provided by the S&W Historical Foundation indicate the revolver was ordered by Joseph A. Holmes through Wolf & Klar, Fort Worth, Texas, and delivered to R.D. Heath of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, for Joseph A. Holmes. The recipient of this revolver is possibly Joseph A. Holmes, Jr. the son of Joseph A. Holmes, Sr. (1859-1915) who was a geologist, occupational safety and health pioneer and the first director of the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Joseph A. Holmes, Sr. is the namesake of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association. Many of these documents discuss payment and shipment of the revolver. Holmes had requested to receive the revolver before setting sail to South America, but the revolver was not completed in time. The revolver was delivered to R.D. Heath because Holmes was in Trinidad. The S&W order form and invoice confirm the revolver's configuration including the 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight and Joseph Holmes as the recipient and feature a sketch of the front sight with the notation "if any doubt about this sight see Mr. Pomeroy." Edward S. Pomeroy was S&W's chief designer who is perhaps best known for designing the Model 1940 light rifle. His invaluable firearms expertise would undoubtedly have been appreciated by the individual tasked with manufacturing this very custom front sight. The 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight was specifically designed and fabricated for this order and only this order. Knowledgeable S&W collectors see this revolver as having a one-off sight configuration that will only be found on this .357 Registered Magnum. The rear sight is a gold outlined square notch. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

Cased Smith & Wesson Model 29-1 Double Action Revolver with Special Order 5 Inch Barrel Factory Letter

Lot 1531

Cased Special Order S&W Model 29-1 Revolver with Factory Letter

As documented by the S&W Historical Foundation, there are only five Model 29-1s with the 5 inch barrel length known to exist. Certainly a most rare variation of the .44 Magnum series and a highly valuable addition to any S&W collection. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 5 inch barrel at a $10 up charge, blue finish, and checkered goncalo alves target grips when shipped to H. Kiefaber Co. in Dayton, Ohio, on August 7, 1962. The 5 inch barrel is a rare special order feature. Fitted with red ramp front and fully adjustable rear sights. Includes a S&W hardwood display case.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Magnum

Price Realized:

Rare Post-War Smith & Wesson Commercial Model 1917 Double Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter

Lot 1532

Smith & Wesson Commercial Model 1917 Revolver

This revolver is one of 900 of its type manufactured between 1946-1948. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, butt swivel, and checkered walnut grips when shipped to Hall & Knight Co. in Lewiston, Maine, on February 24, 1948. Fitted with half moon front and frame notch rear sights. Matching serial numbers marked on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and inside the right grip. Includes original S&W maroon box.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

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