1950 Model 44 Target treasure hunt

[cruiserdan]

I'm sifting through 8 decades worth of my father-in-laws assorted sporting goods. First I came across a really nice 44 Target with serial number S147xxx. I'm figuring 1955-56. His late 90s mind seems to recall it was new when he bought it.

I kept looking around and low and behold I found the gold box, with the SN on the back and the helpful hints pamphlet inside.

Looking in other places I found the original sales receipt and the checkbook register. He bought it September 4th 1959 (for $50.50).

I plan on lettering it to see if the place he bought it from was the dealer S&W shipped it to.

There is a TON of stuff in his basement and maybe the original cleaning rod, SAT, and so-on may be hiding someplace.

What, exactly, am I looking for? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[USBP SW]

A true family treasure. Congratulations on discovering that gem.

 

[Kinman]

Here I thought I was lucky having my father in law leave behind a WWI Luger bring back and a couple early S&W hammerless models. Good for you, great find.

 

[Doc44]

The sight screwdriver would be all steel, knurled handle, and finished in black oxide. Also, a cleaning rod made of aluminum, a brush with copper bristles, and a swab with a threaded brass base.

Bill

 

[cruiserdan]

The sight screwdriver would be all steel, knurled handle, and finished in black oxide. Also, a cleaning rod made of aluminum, a brush with copper bristles, and a swab with a threaded brass base.

Bill

Thank you Bill.
Some time back I think I saw what may be the rod. Would it be substantially like a late 1970s type? The rod I recall seeing did not "look" like the ones I have so I didn't gather it up at that time.

 

[cruiserdan]

I have been digging through an enormous amount of "stuff". One thing I found, that I was not looking for, was the original rear sight that belongs to an 1865 Remington Civil War musket. That rifle is in the rack. Imagine my surprise.
No luck on the SAT, swab, or rod. This might be the bore brush.

Could this be it? the diameter is correct.

 

[Doc44]

The bore brush you found is later than the 44. The correct bore brush would have a wound, brass core, not galvanized.

Bill

 

[red9]

Congratulations on a great family find. Another example of the factory using whatever box they could find. My .44 is earlier but in a later style matching box. I wish mine came in one like yours.

Bob

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Congratulations! Here’s my S147xxx.
I just have the Revolver, none of the Goodies.
I should add - mine is Matte.
I wish it was Bright, but it’s not!

 

[cruiserdan]

Congratulations on a great family find. Another example of the factory using whatever box they could find. My .44 is earlier but in a later style matching box. I wish mine came in one like yours.

Bob

I wish this one had grips like that.

 

[cruiserdan]

The bore brush you found is later than the 44. The correct bore brush would have a wound, brass core, not galvanized.

Bill

Thank you sir. I'll keep looking.

 

[TheTinMan]

I thought that the Model of 1950 revolvers came with the matte blue finish but the OP’s example looks like bright blue. Were some of each produced?

This one shipped in May of 1955.

 

[cruiserdan]

I thought that the Model of 1950 revolvers came with the matte blue finish but the OP’s example looks like bright blue. Were some of each produced?

This one shipped in May of 1955.

It's definitely bright. The K22 cylinder next to it is a mat finish from 1953.

 

[Muley Gil]

Some were matte and some were bright blue.

 

[rct269]

Some were matte and some were bright blue.

That they were!

It was my misfortune to have had the former----but not for long.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[moosedog]

Congratulations, what a great father-in-law.
My F.I.L. gave me a sleeve of Golf Balls once, just before he asked my wife to loan him some money.

 

[cruiserdan]

Congratulations on a great family find. Another example of the factory using whatever box they could find. My .44 is earlier but in a later style matching box. I wish mine came in one like yours.

Bob

I'm not sure that target grips would fit in a gold box.

EDIT 1/20/25:
I fitted a set of football targets to this and no way does it fit in the gold box.

 

[cruiserdan]

I think I found the cleaning rod and ends. No luck on the SAT.

 

[Doc44]

What you have so far is correct. Good luck with the sight screwdriver.

Bill

 

[RKmesa]

Congratulations on a great family find. Another example of the factory using whatever box they could find. My .44 is earlier but in a later style matching box. I wish mine came in one like yours.

Bob

Bob:

That is the box that I am looking for for my 44 Target...