Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-13-2011, 05:44 PM
sw357nm's Avatar
sw357nm sw357nm is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 240
Likes: 23
Liked 101 Times in 26 Posts
Default Another Registered Magnum

It is always nice, and sometimes exciting when another Registered Magnum surfaces.
On May 22, 1936 serial number 48374 Registration number 1071 was delivered to Powell & Clement Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. It has a five-inch barrel. The gun was subsequently purchased by insurance executive, William Howard Cox, of Cincinnati. It was shipped with a King red post on a reflector base. It now has a white post. It also now sports custom stocks with Mr. Cox’s initials.
Accompanying the revolver is an exquisite carved Berns-Martin holster.
The gun has been fired, but clearly spent most of the past 75 years in a life of leisure. It is nearly new.
John

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-13-2011, 05:48 PM
gjamison's Avatar
gjamison gjamison is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 266
Liked 2,564 Times in 465 Posts
Default

great looking gun and story.

some day i'll have one

some day
__________________
George Jamison
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-13-2011, 06:16 PM
JayCeeNC's Avatar
JayCeeNC JayCeeNC is offline
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 18,905
Liked 3,510 Times in 1,121 Posts
Default

Darn fine RM, and the Berns-Martin rig is icing on the cake.
Nice find!
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-13-2011, 06:20 PM
A10's Avatar
A10 A10 is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sadly, Seattle WA
Posts: 10,561
Likes: 22,762
Liked 10,304 Times in 4,263 Posts
Default

That is one fine looking revolver!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-13-2011, 06:27 PM
usm1rifle's Avatar
usm1rifle usm1rifle is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: The Twin Cities
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 4,925
Liked 1,758 Times in 712 Posts
Default

What a super rig and great history!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-13-2011, 06:43 PM
jrs70's Avatar
jrs70 jrs70 is offline
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 540
Likes: 497
Liked 203 Times in 115 Posts
Default

I love the rig--
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:07 PM
GF's Avatar
GF GF is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 4,634
Likes: 2,805
Liked 4,156 Times in 1,126 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gjamison View Post
great looking gun and story.

some day i'll have one

some day
Me too... I have a line on one. Just can't get him to price it (that may be a good thing ).

What a cool RM that is with the custom stocks. Back in the day I think men with money bought 'em and put 'em together with top shelf leather.

Thanks for posting, if you have more pics I'd sure like to look.

GF
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:10 PM
Bullit Bill Bullit Bill is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Great revolver and holster, both are really prime. So I've got a noob question, how do you tell if a gun is an RM?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:12 PM
Crabtree Crabtree is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: East TN
Posts: 461
Likes: 55
Liked 199 Times in 32 Posts
Default

Thanks for sharing the photos....outstanding gun.
__________________
Regards, Ty
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:23 PM
bigmoose's Avatar
bigmoose bigmoose is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Central New York State
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3,459
Liked 2,104 Times in 629 Posts
Default

Custom grips...King sight....tooled holster AND belt....like new condition....

It all adds up to an absolutely outstanding combination!

Thanks for sharing.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:30 PM
RKmesa's Avatar
RKmesa RKmesa is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AZ
Posts: 7,354
Likes: 27,584
Liked 45,315 Times in 4,759 Posts
Thumbs up

John:

Beautiful gun and rig. I would love to hear how it made its way down from Ohio to NewMexico.

Thanks for sharing!
__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:35 PM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is online now
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

Beautiful gun, and the leather is spectacular. Congratulations on the score!
__________________
David Wilson
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:37 PM
gkitch gkitch is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 3,791
Liked 1,844 Times in 469 Posts
Default WHC

Mr William Howard Cox was not only well heeled, he knew what he was doing. His gun and leather and grips are first rate, but not overly flashy. I would go so far as to say his equipment was state-of-the-art in every respect. Wonder who made those brilliant grips? WOW.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:39 PM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is online now
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullit Bill View Post
Great revolver and holster, both are really prime. So I've got a noob question, how do you tell if a gun is an RM?
Bullit Bill, welcome to the forum. The Registered Magnums have a registration stamp on the frame that you can see when the cylinder yoke has been opened, like Reg 1234. This is separate from the gun's serial number, which is part of the regular prewar N-frame serial number sequence. If you search the forum archives for "Registered Magnum," you will find a bunch of posts telling you scads about them. This model is perhaps the model most sought by collectors (though I don't have one yet and personally prefer other models.)

RMs will be found with serial numbers from (roughly) 45700 to 60000 -- but not every one of those will be a registered magnum.
__________________
David Wilson

Last edited by DCWilson; 07-13-2011 at 07:47 PM. Reason: Clarification.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:40 PM
Iggy's Avatar
Iggy Iggy is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 10,417
Liked 28,226 Times in 5,272 Posts
Default

Sigh!!!

That's beeeyoutiful.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-13-2011, 07:43 PM
akjaeger akjaeger is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Idaho or Alaska
Posts: 353
Likes: 233
Liked 149 Times in 64 Posts
Default

Outstanding!
Just what I'd imagine the practical handgunner to order as state of the art circa 1936.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-13-2011, 08:01 PM
geotech geotech is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

What a beautiful find! It's nice to see beautiful survivors. Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-13-2011, 08:08 PM
Bullit Bill Bullit Bill is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

David, thanks for the info. Bill
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-13-2011, 08:16 PM
mikepriwer mikepriwer is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,500
Likes: 917
Liked 6,391 Times in 1,311 Posts
Default

Get yourself over to Lee Jarretts ebay sale, and buy one of those
pairs of pre-WW2 n-frame magna stocks. That will make it almost
original. The stocks on it are much too late.

Otherwise, very nice gun.

Mike Priwer
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-13-2011, 08:24 PM
MSgt G MSgt G is offline
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 5,124
Likes: 8,481
Liked 1,231 Times in 429 Posts
Default

John,

How you fortunate enough to find something as wonderful as this! I've been looking for a long time now.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-13-2011, 09:46 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,472
Likes: 88,957
Liked 24,779 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

"Get yourself over to Lee Jarretts ebay sale, and buy one of those
pairs of pre-WW2 n-frame magna stocks. That will make it almost
original. The stocks on it are much too late."

"It also now sports custom stocks with Mr. Cox’s initials."

I think I'd leave it just the way it was when Mr Cox owned it, even if it isn't correct for 1936.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-13-2011, 10:03 PM
j38 j38 is offline
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: OR
Posts: 3,521
Likes: 5,496
Liked 1,026 Times in 350 Posts
Default

Love it! .. especially the custom stocks, leather & story to go with them.

Congratulations!

Jerry
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-13-2011, 10:19 PM
wraco wraco is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 655
Likes: 293
Liked 190 Times in 77 Posts
Default

Sure is a beauty. . .
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-13-2011, 10:49 PM
Wingmaster's Avatar
Wingmaster Wingmaster is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Gillette Wyoming
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1,905
Liked 1,294 Times in 350 Posts
Default

John,
You didn't say much about Mr. Cox. He wouldn't be a relative of yours would he?
By the way, That is one fine revolver. Thanks for showing it to us.

Wingmaster
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-13-2011, 11:39 PM
Wyo's Avatar
Wyo Wyo is online now
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 1,166
Liked 5,840 Times in 1,240 Posts
Default

Well, that is just COOL! As it turns out, I have RM #1070. Here's a link to an earlier thread with a couple of not-so-good pictures: Registered Magnum to the Range

Now if someone will post up #1072 or 1069 we'll have a trifecta.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 07-14-2011, 12:05 AM
RKmesa's Avatar
RKmesa RKmesa is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AZ
Posts: 7,354
Likes: 27,584
Liked 45,315 Times in 4,759 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DCWilson View Post
This model is perhaps the model most sought by collectors (though I don't have one yet and personally prefer other models.)
David:

The reason that you "personally prefer other models" is due to the fact that you don't have one yet... In all seriousness, once you get one RM, one will never be enough. I started with one, and a dozen or so later, I'm still in the "just one more" mode.

Moral to the story - "Don't buy one, unless you want to get hooked."
__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-14-2011, 12:06 AM
Marshal tom Marshal tom is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cedaredge Co.
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 11
Liked 2,729 Times in 969 Posts
Default

That is beautiful. I think I hate you!
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 07-14-2011, 11:08 AM
sw357nm's Avatar
sw357nm sw357nm is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 240
Likes: 23
Liked 101 Times in 26 Posts
Default Cox Registered Magnum

I purchased the gun from the Cox family through one of our members. I would not mind if that individual identified himself, but that is up to him. Mr. Cox was a serious shooter, but he didn't put many rounds through this revolver.
To Mike Priwer: You are certainly correct in your observation that the stocks are more recent, but I prefer to leave them as-is since that is the way Cox configured this fine revolver.
Thanks for all the kind comments about the gun and rig.
John Hopkins
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 07-14-2011, 11:16 AM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is online now
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RKmesa View Post
David:

The reason that you "personally prefer other models" is due to the fact that you don't have one yet... In all seriousness, once you get one RM, one will never be enough. I started with one, and a dozen or so later, I'm still in the "just one more" mode.

Moral to the story - "Don't buy one, unless you want to get hooked."
Point taken.
__________________
David Wilson
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 07-14-2011, 11:25 AM
redbos redbos is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 569
Likes: 6
Liked 13 Times in 8 Posts
Default

I love it and think it is a awesome Smith. Congrats. I dont have a Registered Magnum yet, but someday........ I hope mine looks as good as that one! Congrats
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 07-14-2011, 03:06 PM
lowhog's Avatar
lowhog lowhog is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: North West Minnesota
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 1,637
Liked 1,960 Times in 415 Posts
Default

I'm not sure everyone noticed the relief hole in the front of the stocks for the butt.I think thats a neat feature.Very nice rm you have there.I'm hoping someday I can aford one.Regards Mike
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 07-14-2011, 03:23 PM
mikepriwer mikepriwer is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,500
Likes: 917
Liked 6,391 Times in 1,311 Posts
Default

As regards the custom stocks: They are nice stocks, and indeed are
part of the revolvers history. To me, and my reg mags, these are
special guns. Just like I 'hate' to see one with post-WW2 sights -
and I understand why people did that - I much prefer pre-WW2 magna
stocks on these great revolvers. That is how they were made, and
that is how I think they ought to be preserved. If it were mine, I
would certainly keep those post-WW2 stocks, as part of the package,
but as I indicated, I'd get a pair of pre-WW2 magnas, while they are
being offered. I think they are scarcer than the guns themselves.

I know I'm not making any converts here, but - thats OK !

Regards, Mike Priwer
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 07-14-2011, 05:11 PM
sw357nm's Avatar
sw357nm sw357nm is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 240
Likes: 23
Liked 101 Times in 26 Posts
Default

Mike,
Actually you are. I'll keep on the lookout for a nice set of pre-War Magnas.
Thanks for your input.
John
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 07-14-2011, 08:18 PM
phenson's Avatar
phenson phenson is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: LA (Lower Alabama)
Posts: 627
Likes: 132
Liked 564 Times in 104 Posts
Default

Sure would like to get that "one!"
That is a beautiful revolver with lots of character and history.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RKmesa View Post
David:

The reason that you "personally prefer other models" is due to the fact that you don't have one yet... In all seriousness, once you get one RM, one will never be enough. I started with one, and a dozen or so later, I'm still in the "just one more" mode.

Moral to the story - "Don't buy one, unless you want to get hooked."
__________________
Pat Henson
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 07-15-2011, 01:53 AM
Troystat Troystat is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 790
Liked 678 Times in 436 Posts
Default

That is one very nice RM I like the holster and grips as well. I suffer only having a 27-2 with a 5" barrel its nice but no way as neat as the RM's Thanks for posting the pictures.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 07-15-2011, 09:22 PM
ssgmac ssgmac is offline
US Veteran
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mid GA
Posts: 457
Likes: 6
Liked 144 Times in 37 Posts
Default RM

It is a Beautiful Rig!!! I disagree with the dating of the grips! I think they might be pre-war customs! If not, surely early post war!! Thats my novice opinion.Please do tell are the intials inlaid in 14k or 18k? Will you clean the floral sterling buckle???
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 07-16-2011, 11:38 PM
handejector's Avatar
handejector handejector is offline
Administrator
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 27,010
Likes: 7,103
Liked 48,562 Times in 9,216 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikepriwer View Post
As regards the custom stocks: They are nice stocks, and indeed are
part of the revolvers history. To me, and my reg mags, these are
special guns. Just like I 'hate' to see one with post-WW2 sights -
and I understand why people did that - I much prefer pre-WW2 magna
stocks on these great revolvers. That is how they were made, and
that is how I think they ought to be preserved. If it were mine, I
would certainly keep those post-WW2 stocks, as part of the package,
but as I indicated, I'd get a pair of pre-WW2 magnas, while they are
being offered. I think they are scarcer than the guns themselves.

I know I'm not making any converts here, but - thats OK !

Regards, Mike Priwer
How do we know the grips are post-war?

>Cox was an avid shooter and hunter all of his life. He qualified for the US Olympic Pistol team in 1920, but on the way to Belgium, he was bitten by a spider on his trigger finger!
>Member of the "One Shot" club, meaning he took an antelope with one shot on an annual shoot.
>In 1932 he became President of a Life Insurance Co. for 24 years.
>Golfed with Bobby Jones.
>Helped form the Cincinatti Revolver Club in 1908.
>Their indoor range in Cincinatti is named for him.
>When he graduated with a B.S. in 1907, he had made more money while in college than he spent!!!

I think it safe to say the man knew who made what in the shooting world.
He ordered a Mag, a TOP-of -the-line holster for it, and had grips made to suit him. He changed the red post to a white post that could be ivory.

He was around 50-51 when the gun shipped. He had been Pres for 4 or more years. He was a man of means.
In case you haven't figured it out, I brokered the gun.
That rig is the finest Berns Martin rig I have ever seen. It was humorous to see that the billet was moved out about 3 inches. I guess he gained weight.










__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Last edited by handejector; 07-16-2011 at 11:41 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #38  
Old 07-17-2011, 12:07 PM
sw357nm's Avatar
sw357nm sw357nm is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 240
Likes: 23
Liked 101 Times in 26 Posts
Smile Cox Registered Magnum

Lee,
Very nice write up and photographs.
Many thanks,
John
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 07-17-2011, 01:09 PM
FloridaFlier FloridaFlier is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 324
Likes: 163
Liked 190 Times in 89 Posts
Default

A beautiful gun with a classic American success story to boot. Will you shoot it?
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 07-18-2011, 05:56 PM
Wyo's Avatar
Wyo Wyo is online now
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 1,166
Liked 5,840 Times in 1,240 Posts
Default

It is fascinating to me to consider the cross section of people that were willing to spend what was big money at the time in order to own the finest revolver available. Clearly, this gun was owned by a man of considerable means and ability who was well up on the social ladder. Yet the gun I own, #1070, consecutive to this one, was owned by a guy who ordered it through a hardware store in Jackson Hole in 1936 and who was basically a cowboy/ranch hand his entire life. He was most certainly never a rich man, yet he was willing to part with what had to be close to a month's pay to get this revolver. The one I started a thread on two days ago, #3035, was ordered by a steamfitter who worked for the railroad. Again, he was not a man of money or fame, and I'm sure the money he spent on his revolver came hard. This cross section of people, from some of the "highest" to the most humble is, at least to me, as interesting as the guns themselves. It's part of what makes collecting them so addictive!
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #41  
Old 07-12-2015, 06:28 PM
rednichols's Avatar
rednichols rednichols is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 1,843
Liked 7,687 Times in 2,112 Posts
Default

Duplicate of Post 42
Attached Images
File Type: jpg user110302_pic4890_1310873365.jpg (127.0 KB, 37 views)
__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

Last edited by rednichols; 07-13-2015 at 08:17 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #42  
Old 07-12-2015, 06:50 PM
rednichols's Avatar
rednichols rednichols is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 1,843
Liked 7,687 Times in 2,112 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sw357nm View Post
Accompanying the revolver is an exquisite carved Berns-Martin holster.
I've been pointed to this thread after finding an excellent album on the gun and holsters:

Smith & Wesson Forum - handejector's Album: Cox Magnum

A rear view pic of the holster caught my eye:

user110302_pic4890_1310873365.jpg

Because it reveals markings that it has been suggested, by turnerriver, are from the company's Bremerton WA location (pre-war and both Berns and Martin were sailors):

bremerton elmer keith (2).jpg

And Keith's unique set has the same markings plus a strap with the same unique snap 'button': a wreath in bas relief. The following pics are not of Keith's set, though:

bremerton (1).jpg

bremerton snaps.jpg

Keith's article of 1932, which reveals the new holster for the first time but does not include his holster set, states that John Berns did not intend to patent his holster; yet there are the patent numbers painstakingly imprinted in the leather. Keith states a Bremerton WA address for Berns-Martin. The first patent number is to Clark in 1931, the second to Berns in 1935. All this suggests it was made between 1935 and 1945.

The patent numbers are not marked on the company's Calhoun City or Elberton holsters, though they are listed on their brochures with those addresses. It has been speculated that the WA location is prewar and the others are post-war, in part because of Keith mentioning in a 1950 American Rifleman that Berns-Martin has reopened after a several-year closure.
__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

Last edited by rednichols; 07-12-2015 at 06:58 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 07-12-2015, 07:22 PM
rburg rburg is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 7,473
Likes: 2,830
Liked 6,261 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default

Just to add to the thread.... Powell and Clements was up on 6th street in Cincinnati, a couple of blocks east of Vine. It was an upperclass store with great guns. Back about 1970 I worked downtown and often would take my lunch up that way, "dining" at the Red Fox (a double decker sandwich shop). And I'd always stop at the window to view the latest goodies they'd have out on display. My favorite over those years was a Browning 22 auto, grade II. Obviously made in Belgium at that time with great engraving. I can't remember the price, but it was out of reach for a young married guy.

Now in later years the owner used to display at the OGCA show. He's missed the last few shows and I hope nothing is wrong with them. She actually owned the store because he was a city employee and they've been stinkin' PC even back then. It was a fine store in an anti gun city.
__________________
Dick Burg
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 07-13-2015, 01:46 PM
DGT's Avatar
DGT DGT is offline
SWCA Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 8,270
Liked 2,071 Times in 590 Posts
Default

Can't add anything to what has been posted. Just wanted to say, that may be the best looking rig I've ever seen.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #45  
Old 07-13-2015, 08:22 PM
rednichols's Avatar
rednichols rednichols is offline
Member
Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum Another Registered Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 1,843
Liked 7,687 Times in 2,112 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DGT View Post
Can't add anything to what has been posted. Just wanted to say, that may be the best looking rig I've ever seen.
Agreed. It also has a floral pattern I've not seen on any other Berns-Martin, which virtually without exception used the rose flower and leaf pattern we know from the James Bond book cover. I do have a pic of yet another pattern on a B-M that is very different to both of the aforementioned styles, but no pic of the rear to know when/where it was made. And pics of the only known Myres copy of the Berns-Martin, which I suspect was made using a cut-open original including the hard-to-make spring.
__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

Last edited by rednichols; 07-18-2016 at 04:29 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
berns, floral, leather, n-frame, olympic, prewar, registered magnum, smith-wessonforum.com

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Registered Magnum .22 LR pre16 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 86 01-10-2024 08:04 AM
WTB Registered or Non-Registered Magnum Shooter to Restore or Nice Pre-27 3 1/2" Dtybrd WANTED to Buy 0 05-28-2013 09:33 PM
WTB Registered or Non Registered Magnum Shooter Grade/Restoration and a 27-8 3 1/2" Dtybrd WANTED to Buy 4 01-09-2013 09:48 PM
[SOLD] Lew Horton S&W Model 27 Performance Center .357 Magnum !!! (Registered Magnum) twogunjay GUNS - For Sale or Trade 6 08-01-2010 09:06 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:26 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)