Elmer Keith's 44 Magnum, S147220

[Doc44]

A question came up about the location of EMK's first 44 Magnum, S147220, that was made by S&W on January 19, 1956 and shipped to Elmer on January 27, 1956 (third 44 Magnum shipped). It is on display along with many of his other handguns and rifles at Cabela's in Boise, Idaho. They have also recreated his office as part of the display. The original stocks on the 44 have been replaced with ivories and the target hammer has been bobbed slightly.

Bill

 

[6518John]

Bill--Stupid question. Did he actually use the revolver? This looks as if it has never been carried, knocked about, etc? I do see a slight turn line, but not much of one. I am sure everyone knew it was a major collector's piece? Maybe he got another one for actual use? But I can't imagine they were growing on trees, even for gun writers. (I seem to recall he was not that prominent at the time too)?

 

[Doc44]

Elmer had a long term relationship with S&W that began long before the 44 Magnum was a reality and was a good friend of Doug Wesson. I know he was shipped many 44 Magnums over the years, but this is the only one I know the serial number of. The 44 Magnum he had cut down to 4 1/2-inches and engraved started out as a 6 1/2-inch revolver. He also had one of the first 4-inch 44 Magnums engraved by the Gun Reblue Company in North Carolina. Looking at EMK's revolvers, the 4-inch 29-2 shows the most carry wear by far.

Elmer refers to his first 44 Magnum in some of his articles, but I suppose he really favored the shorter barreled guns and that is why this one shows only minimal use and wear.

Bill

 

[Dan M]

Here is a picture of his office at the Cabelas

 

[Doc44]

Dan...thanks for posting the photo of EMK's office. I have one, but it is on a CD-R and not in my computer.

Bill

 

[6518John]

Hell, I Was There

Bill, your post reminded me of my signed copy, wrapped and stored on the highest shelf of bookcase. My nine year old gun fanatic was playing on his iPad,, so I thought I would try an experiment. I gave him the book, and said "give this old thing a look." Well the iPad has been cast aside!

Looks like Elmer has now captured a whole new generation! (I am trying to watch College Gameday, and I am being interrupted every 30 seconds with "DAD LOOK HE KILLED THIS LION AT 100 YARDS WITH A HEART SHOT AND A .44 MAGNUM. THIS COWBOY COULD SHOOT!!).

Thanks!

 

[yfdcap]

I have read so many articals that state Elmer had the first 44 he received from Smith & Wesson cut to 4 1/2 inches. Wonder how that got into print so much with this gun being on display. Thanks for posting.

 

[rbmcmjr]

Here is a picture of his office at the Cabelas

I was checking this out, turned around, and ran into John Taffin, who was shopping in the Gun Library. I thought that was pretty cool.

 

[wlp624]

One would think that Cabela's, of all businesses, in a display like this, of all places, would be able to spell barrel correctly...

 

[davegarage]

One would think that Cabela's, of all businesses, in a display like this, of all places, would be able to spell barrel correctly...

I am not sure if the Cabela's folks contracted this out, or they did it in house. &*it happens.

I have a chart that Ted Keith, Elmer's son, left with me of all the serial numbers of all the guns in the Boise display. The Keith Family still owns the guns on display. They are on loan to Cabela's.

If you ever get to Boise, you need to stop in and take a look at this great display.

Thanks Bill for bringing this up.


Dave

 

[scooter123]

Someone needs to explain to Cabela's that back in the 1950's it was considered rude to wear your hat indoors and most gentlemen removed their hat whenever they entered a building where ladies might be present. As a result I would expect that Elmer Keith NEVER EVER wore his hat while working at his desk.

 

[BruceM]

I am not sure if the Cabela's folks contracted this out, or they did it in house. &*it happens.

Yep, $*it does happen. If you think this is bad, when Sonny Crockett's Bren Ten blank gun was on display at Planet Hollywood in Vegas, it was listed as a Detonics Combat Master. They couldn't even get the gun right.

$*it does happen.

Bruce

 

[S&W ucla]

I enjoyed seeing the display when I went to the S&WCA meeting in Boise. My favorite was the 4.5" magnum. (and the 4" 44spls

 

[gjamison]

Very interesting thanks for posting.

My question, where is EMK's 38/44 OD?

 

[steveno]

Cabela's can have to identical guns ion display and there is a good chance the tags will be different so having one extra "L" is doing pretty good

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

Very cool; hope to get up this winter to visit it.

 

[daveuspp]

A question came up about the location of EMK's first 44 Magnum, S147220, that was made by S&W on January 19, 1956 and shipped to Elmer on January 27, 1956 (third 44 Magnum shipped). It is on display along with many of his other handguns and rifles at Cabela's in Boise, Idaho. They have also recreated his office as part of the display. The original stocks on the 44 have been replaced with ivories and the target hammer has been bobbed slightly.

Bill

One of my most prized guns is a SW 29-2 6" 44 mag....

Who doesnt love a 44 mag?

 

[TheHobbyist]

Great post and thread!

Personally, I have always thought the 4" 29-2's were the pinnacle. Elmer was right about the stocks. They should have made them about a half inch off on the bottom and rounded. Fits the hand better and no flaring at the ends.

 

[gripper]

Very interesting thanks for posting.

My question, where is EMK's 38/44 OD?

Elmer's OD rests safely in a glass display case in my gun room. Along with his leather belt, two of his Berns Martin holsters, and a pair of custom Roper grips specifically made to fit his hands. It was in the collection of the late great Ray Cheely for many years. When his wife Sheryl decided to sell the collection she was kind enough to send it my way. My son Chase and I are honored to have the gun. Jim Fisher, Chase, and I actually shot the gun at 400 yards specifically for a SWCA journal article. Whenever I get a chance from my busy schedule I will complete the article.

Chad Gripp

 

[Texas Star]

I think I saw a pic here of Elmer's .38-44 OD in the display at Cabela's. It had a large replacement front sight from King's. Is that a different gun?