.357 Magnum REG 657 Update

Doc don't play. Nice goose egg. Machine gun Kelly trial.
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There was no agent named Jomer C White, so I think that means my gun was owned by James.



So what do y'all think? Mystery solved?

Considering James' history of armed conflict, it doesn't surprise me he'd bet his life on the best gun he could get his hands on. I hope you get some more positive provenance that it was his. Would really add to it's special aura.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
Just as an FYI the Bureau of Investigation was formed in 1908 and J. Edgar Hoover became its Director in 1924 and it's "Agents" did not have authority to make arrests or carry weapons.

In 1934 Congress enacted the Bank Robbery Act and other crime bills giving the FBI powers of arrest and the right to carry firearms.
Previous to that, special agents could only make a "citizen's arrest," otherwise the agent had to call on a U.S. Marshal or local police officer to take custody of a suspect.

This is a terrific thread with bunches of info on the RM and it's owner(s).
 
The S&W order form was filled out by the company after the order from Potchernick's was received. This was common practice unless the order form was received from the customer.

Bill Cross
 
Hmm

Thanks Bill, thanks Terry
So Bill, was it the norm for the order to be filled out by the customer? Someone said this order from Potchernick's was probably two guns for stock. Agent White would have qualified for law enforcement discount, but think you said it showed no discount for this one.
The order from Potchernick's did not specify rear sight or stocks. Maybe that was added after agent White got involved?
The signature really does look like Toepperwein. That would be a story. Famous exhibition shooter works at Potchernick's in San Antonio at age 66. (When he is not on the circuit).
 
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Most of the .357s I have researched have the S&W order form filled out by the company after the order was received from the company ordering the revolver. If I remember correctly, S&W preferred orders come through dealers and distributors, but would accept orders from individuals.

There is no indication an affidavit was filed with S&W stating that REG. #657 was to be used by law enforcement and eligible for a discounted price.

Bill
 
Just a thought ! What do you think about the issue of the revolvers timing being out of sorts that was something Toepperwein discovered rather than agent White.

5. Letter from Potchernick's dated Dec 11, 1936. States gun is the property of Jomer C White, c/o the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Customer is very much dissatisfied with it and says gun is out of time. Asks that it be corrected and returned immediately. Two date stamps, one says Rec'd Dec 15 1936. The other says Chg'd Dec 17 1936.
 
Toepperwein

I took a closer look at the return letter. It is on Potchernick's letterhead. Top left corner lists F L Toepperwein as president.
So not Ad signature most likely. Ad was a long time resident of the San Antonio area. Certainly seems possible that F L was a relative.

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