Pre-64...I have a parallel interest in the early Blackhawk .44 Magnum and the ones with a 7 1/2-inch or 10-inch barrel and the early Super Blackhawks. I also try and collect factory ivory grips (approximately 600 pairs made) and factory stag grips (approximately 6700 pairs made).
I consider John Dougan a good friend as well as Bill Hamm, who has the best collection of Ruger 44 Magnums there is.
Pictured below is a second month of production Blackhawk 44 Magnum, serial number 475, shipped in early December 1956. It is about new and one of my favorites.
Bill