I followed the second link and began reading portions of the Journal. From the articles to the letters to the editor it is an interesting read. It really takes one back to the time of the "greatest generation" and especially the last few pages that had a book list. Books by SHARPE and many books on fur trapping and raising rabbits. Really gives one some insight into what it must have been like for those fathers and grandfathers coming back from war and trying to restart their civilian lives.

As far as the post about the young person trading in the 1911, I own 2 WWII trophies that my father sent back. A Sauer and Sohn Behorden model and a Sauer and Sohn double barrel shotgun. Dad said he found one thrown in a river but not sure which one. I have two daughters living in NJ and CA and I don't think either one has any interest in these guns. They are very special to me but unfortunately I fear that will die with me and they will end up in some future collection where the owner has no connection to either.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Great gun and history. After all how many of us have a gun that was owned by a possible war hero that is buried in Arlington! Good luck on your further research .

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Bob
Sic Semper Tyrannis

I also have two daughters (AZ and TX), and other than working for a while with my eldest and an AR-15 to assure she qualified for her 2nd Lieutenant's commission years ago, neither had an interest in my stuff. I worried for years about what would happen to my collections (pre-Castro Cuban cigars, 18th &19th century African hunting/exploration books, and my, and my ancestors firearms). Then I started another collection - grandchildren. Three boys so far with a boy AND girl on the way. I worry much less now. For the time being, we're into cap pistols, but it won't be long before we graduate to something better. I hope something grand like that happens for you.

And, congrats to 22hipower for the fantastic RM and accompanying history. What a great find.

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Jeb

Great thread! What a wonderful way to spend a half hour.

Congrats and Thanks for sharing,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

The sad thing is that because a lot of the times that branch of the family tree is ended I have my Uncle's keepsakes, decorations, mementos, awards, and certificates (am putting together a shadow box now) - unfortunately no registered magnum though

He was a Sherman tank driver from Normandy, thru Belgium (Battle of the Bulge), Germany and into Czechoslovakia at the end of the war all with Patton's 3rd Army, 712th Tank Battalion, Company C. He had 2 tanks blown out from under him, received the bronze star for rescuing other fallen tankers from one of those tanks, received 5 campaign stars and somehow was never wounded. He is my hero. But his sons, my cousins are also passed on so I keep his memory alive.

I love history. Not so much 5 star generals and Presidents, but common man history. That is quite a piece.


From seeing this revolver, and reading your screen name, I assume you have very good tastes in firearms.

It does disturb me greatly to learn that heirloom firearms are separated from the families that should care about the history involved.

I have one wartime-history gun I have inherited. My stepfather-in-law was both a WWII vet and a Korean war vet. I have the pistol that was his only armament when he was trapped behind enemy lines in Korea.

Here is a picture of the gun and the history I wrote up on it and keep with the gun. At some point the gun may be acquired outside the family, and I want to be sure that future owner(s) will be aware of its historical significance.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Thanks much to everyone who has commented; especially those able to provide links and information about CPT/LTC/COL Welch. The request for a S&W letter is in the mail and I'll share results when I get it. Nothing much found yet on COL Welch's WWI or Korean service but have a 50 page history of the 980th FA, which he commanded, which takes the battalion from Ft. Lewis through the European campaign. The 980th was the first heavy artillery unit to go in to support D Day and landed on 7 June. Seems Welch wasn't one of those "lead from behind" types as there are numerous comments about his trips to observe the front line OPs. One about his being strafed by enemy aircraft, another about him capturing seven German soldiers, and another about nearly being killed by a nervous US sentry (who did kill the Battalion S3 who was with him). Lots more to read and I'll include the high points when I post about the S&W letter and hopefully will find detail of his WWI and Korean service too.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Very interesting and lucky find.

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NRA Pistol Instructor

Great story. Great Buy. Keep us posted!
Ray

That is s particularly handsome revolver. I think you have to be a certain type of enthusiast to appreciate the value of a Registered Magnum. Or have money. Cuz I don't desire to spend that much. But having said that, it is really really beautiful.

What does the engraving say on the hammer underneath the spur?

I think it is just a Patent Pending or other related patent info stamp.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

"REG. U.S. PAT. OFF."

This stamp was on other N frame guns as well during this period. My 1937 Brazillian has the same stamp. But not, alas, the same appeal!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

If I recall correctly, that was for the case coloring, not the hammer design. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

The walk back home with my reg magnum after I sold the car would also give me time to come up with the story to tell the wife about the car.

I found a post from David Wilson here on the forum with this information:


I learn stuff here on the forum everyday! Problem is, at my age I forget stuff everyday as well?!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I guess my mind is still functioning.

Guy

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

22hipower, did you ever get that S&W letter? I’m quite interested in what is says.

22hipower, did you ever get that S&W letter? I’m quite interested in what is says.

Beautiful and historical. How about I send you $6K for it for a nice quick return on your investment?

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STAY ARMED, VIGILANT, SAFE!

The letter request is "in process" and I hope to have it any day now. I've done quite a bit of research on PVT/PFC/CPL/2LT/1LT/CPT/MAJ/LTC/COL Welch and will post the letter (and highpoints and pictures from the research) when I get it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Yeah, I can't spend that kind of money on a gun...but if I could, that's probably one of the guns I'd buy. A spectacularly clean vintage and significant revolver. Congratulations to the OP on being able to purchase such a great piece.