...turned up in Boise. When I got there late Wednesday evening I spotted a TL on the first table I walked up to. It exhibited considerable wear but, after all, it was a 5" Triple Lock Target so it deserved some consideration.

Unfortunately, there was no one at the table. The rules of the SWCA show are simple: 1) No tables are ever covered. 2) If there is no one behind the table, you cannot handle anything on the table. So I called it a hard day and turned in.

The next day I returned and waited some time until someone did finally come to the table and let me handle the old timer. It was just as I first thought...except for one thing. The back strap bore the inscription: "FOLLETT BRADLEY US ARMY".

A quick Google turned up more information than I could assimilate at one sitting. A true hero of both World Wars!

So here is a little "teaser" for you:
Follett Bradley, Major General, United States Army

Thanks to Daniel Coontz for these quick photos.

Bob

Attached Images

	Bradleyinscription.jpg (171.2 KB, 253 views)
	Bradley TL RTside.jpg (204.6 KB, 282 views)
	Bradley TL Ltside.jpg (152.6 KB, 240 views)

OK, did you buy it? The suspense is killing me .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

You big tease! Inquiring minds need to know whether General Bradley's TL has a home. More pics please.

Alan & Curl,

Yep. I'm slow, but I ain't 'at slow.

The gun actually shipped to Lt. Follette Bradley on 9-21-12 shortly after he left the Navy and joined the Army. He received it less than two months before he and Hap Arnold did those record setting air-to-ground events in their Wright Biplane.

Bob

I got to see this pistol right after Bob picked it up. He whipped out the I-pad and showed me what looked like more info than I could ever find on my entire collection. I was impressed. It was an honor to hold and inspect a gun that was certainly very important to Lt. Bradley. It's this sort of thing that really gets me excited about collecting these little pieces of history. Great gun Bob and I have a little better version of the pics coming your way after a little tuning.

Very nice. 5" Targets are not exactly common. I have heard 25 were made but not sure what that's based on.

Great provenance!

I'm green. Love it.

What a great revolver! That kind of thing is right down my alley, or would be if I could come across one before anybody else does. Congratulations on a fantastic score!

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David Wilson

What a great find, Bob. I didn't get there until Thursday afternoon - but can't really use that as an excuse, ... I was so dazzled by a number of the guns displayed at the show that I wasn't able to focus until sometime Saturday. Glad you found it!

Jerry

Congratulations! That is a revolver with real character. Enjoy!

Hopefully I can make it to the meet next year - K.C. isn't it?

That's correct, Curl. SWCA meeting in KC is June 19-23, 2013.
I hope to have a one-gun display with this gun done by then.
Bob

Wow very nice find.
Congrats

Bob-

Substantially impressive... Congratulations! Is this a .44 Special?

Jim

Jim,

Yes Sir. .44 Hand Ejector, 1st Model Target. The first of a long line of esteemed .44 S&W Special models.

Bob

Here are some links to biographical information on the general:
Follett Bradley, Major General, United States Army
Biographies : MAJOR GENERAL FOLLETT BRADLEY

Bob: I was very pleased to finally meet you. What a great keepsake from Boise.

Leo

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

What a great piece of history. Nice catch.
I hope I can make KC next year.