THIS LISTING WITHDRAWN IN ENTIRETY ON AUGUST 28, 2023.
WTS: S&W collector downsizing. Six more price deductions on March 5, 2023. This ad will be revamped soon-- some guns may be withdrawn.
This is my collection downsizing project -- oft-postponed, but health and other considerations compel me to get a move on.
I will respectfully consider all actual offers. I will not be offended at being presented with information or arguments on why any potential buyer thinks that I ought to accept a particular offer (e.g., information on recent forum or auction sales of similar items, or whatever).
I welcome questions or additional information (by email or PM) about the guns, or offers, all of which will be respectfully considered. I am also open to advice regarding the size of the photos displayed, any problems with gallery links, etc. I am aware that many people now view these posts on phone and so I've tried to make the documents and photos large enough to be comfortably viewed on such devices.
Photos of a number of these guns, taken by Terry Popkin or by me, appear in the
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas (Gun Digest Books, 2016), and where that is so I will note it in the text. Note that I am credited in that reference work with a complete rewrite of the chapter on Single Shot Pistols. I mention this mainly to assist any potential buyer who wishes to check out my bona fides.
On all guns: I have described and represented everything objectively to the best of my ability, but my observations are not infallible and what I think I know might be wrong. All sales are final, and the gun is your property from the time I turn it over to the shipping carrier, do please do not hesitate to use PMs or email to ask questions, dispute assertions, ask for more photos, make suggestions, or make offers. Some of these guns have special provenance, are extremely rare variants, or are otherwise hard to find price comparisons for, so I am open to new information. I will respectfully consider ALL offers, and I am generally able to respond within 24 hours.
Generally, I will accept payment for guns by wire transfer (not ACH) or by U.S. Postal Service money orders. From a SWCA member who is listed in the published Membership Roster, I will also accept a personal check, allowing a few days for it to clear. Please don't post "I'll take it" unless you are willing to use one of these methods, unless we've mutually agreed otherwise in advance.
Buyer will pay the actual shipping costs. I am currently using a major common carrier where I qualify for discounted rates. It is my practice to ship handguns inside foam-lined hard plastic pistol cases, packed inside robust cardboard boxes. I will insure as instructed by the buyer, up to the purchase price. I will need a copy of your dealer's FFL and he must accept shipment from non-dealer. (If my dealer needs to be involved, there will be an extra charge.) I have a C&R license, and on C&R-eligible guns I am willing to ship directly to a C&R license holder who resides in any state that allows it, as most do (but California DOES NOT). Note: NO SALES TO CALIFORNIA except C&R-eligible guns, and even then, only after prior discussion.
All forum rules apply.
Remember, guys, the rules prohibit comments in "Wanted to Sell" listings! The only reply allowed is "I'll take it." The administrators will remove any other comment and likely issue you a citation. I appreciate the expressions of admiration, but the rules require that you confine those to DMs and email. However, "Likes" are permitted and appreciated.
As marked below, as of March 15, 2023, item numbers 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, and 24 have been SOLD.
Doug
SWCA No. 2404
FFL 03 (Collector of Curios & Relics)
Maryland
(1) Performance Center Schofield Model of 2000
.45 S&W (also called .45 Schofield). 7-inch barrel, polished blue finish. Combines design concepts of the original 3rd Model Schofield with modern engineering features -- modern hammer block safety, carbon steel frame, etc. The revolver comes with the original wooden display case, certificates, medallion, and other paperwork. I do not know if it has been fired but it seems flawless to me.
In addition, I will include with the revolver two sets of vintage ammunition: (1) Six loose cartridges won by Terry Popkin at a SWCA convention, labeled, "45 S&W Schofield cartridges, Bennet primed. (Loaded by Frankford Arsenal in 1880.)" And, (2) a box of 12 vintage unfired BLANKS, produced by Frankford Arsenal for use in .45 Schofield or .45 Colt Government revolvers. The box (torn open, as shown) is original, and is of a style used from 1882 until about 1900. These blanks (internally primed) were used to accustom cavalry horses to the sound of gunfire.
I purchased this gun from ace photographer Terry Popkin in 2013, and he took the pictures shown here and in the gallery linked below. Please note that Terry's collage photo of my revolver appears on page 437 of the
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition--that is to say, the revolver pictured there in the book is SN GWS0793, the very gun offered for sale here.
The revolver, case and accessories, six 19th century unfired cartridges and box of twelve 19th century blank cartridges: $2800 plus actual shipping costs (see above).
Photo gallery of the revolver (photos courtesy Terry Popkin):
Schofield Model of 2000 - Douglas Johnson
Photos of the six 19th century unfired cartridges:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...mmunition.html
Photos of the box of 19th century blank cartridges:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...ld-blanks.html
*****
SOLD DECEMBER 9, 2022
(2) Performance Center Model 25-10 "Hand Ejector" (2001), in .45 Colt.
About 150 of these were made. Features include unusual ball detent front lockup, four-screw side plate, chamfered charge holes, a gold bead Patridge front sight, an adjustable rear sight, The Performance Center logo is marked on the left side of the frame. Comes with certificate signed by the Performance Center manager. I purchased this revolver from uber-photographer Terry Popkin in 2010, who took the superb photographs shown here and in the linked gallery. Terry did a little shooting with the gun, but it is unblemished condition.
$1400 plus actual shipping costs (see above).
Gallery of additional Terry Popkin photos of this gun:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...-25-10-45-Colt
*****
SOLD, DEC. 4, 2022(3) Smith & Wesson Model 48-4 (K-22 M.R.F. Masterpiece).
Chambered for .22 MRF (=.22 WMR). Four-inch barrel, blue. 32K2192, 1978. Comes with what I believe to be the original box (but it's not numbered), cleaning tools, and paperwork. The condition of the gun seems flawless to me; I think it may be unfired although I cannot be certain.
$1250 plus actual shipping costs (see above).
*****
(4) Smith & Wesson Model 13-2
1978. Four-inch heavy barrel. K frame, fixed sights. Comes wearing Kim Ahrends cocobolo Tactical Revolver Stocks, with finger grooves. Also included: the original walnut magnas. Condition of the gun: I see no flaw. The gun has been shot, but not much, I think. I purchased this revolver from Terry Popkin a decade ago-- he took these great photos, and those in the linked gallery. The gun comes with a box with a label for a 4-inch Model 13, but the serial number on the box does not match the gun.
$975 [reduced from 1075] plus actual shipping costs.
Gallery of additional high-def photos by Terry Popkin here:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/SW-Model-13-2
*****
SOLD 11-7-22(5) Smith & Wesson 22 Hand Ejector (Ladysmith)(Second Model)
3-inch barrel. SN 6729 (circa 1909). I showed this revolver to David Carroll at a gun show in 2013 and he rated it 80%. C&R eligible.
$1400 plus actual shipping costs.
Gallery of additional high-def photos by Terry Popkin here:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...thSecond-Model
*****
SOLD, MARCH 8, 2023(6) M&P Model of 1905 Fourth Change Target, previously owned by Charles Templeton, governor of Connecticut (1923-1925)
SN 269120, shipped May 22, 1917, to Charles Templeton, Waterbury, Connecticut. Gold-bead target sight. I located documentation (
Arms and the Man, an NRA-affiliated publication) that Charles A. Templeton was in 1917 a prominent Waterbury businessman, alderman, and president of the Waterbury Pistol and Rifle Club. He later became governor of Connecticut (1923-1925).
Additional details on provenance: This revolver came to me with a 2007 factory letter that said it was shipped May 22, 1917, "to Charles Templeton, no address listed." The letter also said, "There are no details listed on the invoice. Smith & Wesson offer a target front sight with either an ivory or gold bead." The revolver has a gold-bead front sight that appears to be original.
I reasoned that a man who special-ordered such a sight was probably a more-than-casual shooter. I did some googling, and found the image of a page from the Oct. 6, 1917 issue of
Arms and the Man (a weekly NRA-affiliated newspaper). In a column headed, "These Clubs Were Admitted to N.R.A. Membership During the Past Week," I found this: "Connecticut. The Waterbury Pistol and Rifle Club . . . Charles A. Templeton, president . . ." Given the proximity in date, I thought it very likely this was the original buyer. Charles A. Templeton was a prominent Waterbury businessman who later became governor of Connecticut.
In an attempt to prove or disprove this theory, I spoke to pre-eminent Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks at the Baltimore Antique Arms show in March, 2017. Mr. Jinks said they had located a ledger of payments from that era (showing only who paid each bill), that might contain additional information. In an email in May, 2017, Mr. Jinks told me that the ledger shows the buyer was in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The combination of the factory letter with the name, and the ledger with the city, establishes that the revolver was indeed purchased by Charles A. Templeton, prior to his term as governor of Connecticut (1921-1923).
Condition: The gun seems mechanically sound. I think it has been shot a good deal, but well cared for. There are some areas where sweat or finger pressure has thinned the finish-- please see the photos, both here on the forum and on my SmugMug gallery linked just below-- see the area behind the trigger guard, inside the trigger guard, on the flat front of frame (looking down the barrel), and on the top of strap where the barrel meets the frame. In all, I guess I'd rate it 90 percent. The stocks are very nice and fit perfectly.
The revolver, factory letter, and material I've assembled on Gov. Templeton: PRICE REDUCTION TO $1075 (from $1350), plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
A large gallery of photos of the revolver (some by the previous owner, some by me), along with additional documents related to Governor Charles Templeton, here:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...rles-Templeton
********************
BEGIN BATCH #2 -- ADDED NOV. 4, 2022
SOLD 11-27-22(7) Colt Camp Perry
SSN 881, circa 1927. 10-inch barrel. .22LR. I'd say this is a 95% gun. I purchased this gun from Terry Popkin in 2013; he took the photos shown here and in the linked gallery (25 photos total), which include close-ups of small defects. The gun has been a safe queen since these photos were taken.
There are some small screwdriver dings near the rear sight-adjustment screw on the right side of the frame (this is the worst defect). There is some finish wear on the front side of the grip strap, and on the ejector rod. There is a tiny scratch on the bottom of the strap. The right-side end of the grip screw appears black. There are several tiny hairline scratches on the left side of the block, and a hairline scratch on the right frame. There is a small finish defect on the frame near the barrel. There are small scuffs on the bottom of the trigger guard. The grips are excellent, but there is one tiny diamond missing, and one ding in the bottom of the the grip.
$2600, plus actual shipping cost. C&R eligible.
Gallery of 24 high-def photos by Terry Popkin of the Colt Camp Perry:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...p-Perry-SN-881
*****
SOLD -- FEB. 6, 2023(8) High Standard Victor
Military 247-5228. .22LR. 5.5-inch barrel. This is the 107 series. The serial number dates to the first half of 1975; manufactured in Hamden. The vented (ventilated) rib is the aluminum variant. This gun has the "later" version of the barrel weight (flat bottom, three grooves). Condition virtually perfect. I fired 50 rounds through it (CCI Match Pistol standard velocity); it cycled flawlessly.
PRICE REDUCTION to $1095 (from $1275) plus actual shipping cost.
*****
SOLD, MARCH 8, 2023(9) S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 (Fourth Change), owned by Judge Perry Riley Price (P.R. Price) (1878-1953), a famous Texas judge.
Four-inch barrel, very high condition. You can read about the history of this revolver in this earlier discursive thread:
S&W .32-20 HE Model of 1905, owned by famous Texas judge
Comes with factory letter and various articles about Judge Price, etc. PRICE REDUCTION to $1150 (was $1650) plus actual shipping. C&R eligible.
*****
SOLD 11-7-22(10) S&W 3rd Model Single Shot Transition Variation. No. 4007-- lowest-number 3rd Model known.
This is a rare gun, and in excellent condition.
As far as I have been able to determine, it is the lowest serial number 3rd Model known to have survived. It has lettered as a "Third Model, Transition Variation." I posted a thread on this pistol in 2016, here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ant...3rd-model.html
Anyone interested in this kind of pistol is likely to find useful information in some of the comments in that thread.
This is a double-action gun (i.e., a 3rd Model), with an ultra-low 3rd Model serial number, but it has a number of 2nd Model attributes: The barrel is 2nd Model (it has the rounded lug that will NOT fit on the later-standard 3rd Model frame). The double-action frame on no. 4007 differs from the later standard 3rd Model frame, in that it has the recessed lug to accommodate the convex bottom on the 2nd Model barrel. The clasp and sight are the style distinctive to the 2nd Model, and hard rubber grips are of the 2nd Model type. In the 2016 thread linked above, I posted photos that compare these features from a 2nd Model, this Transition Variation, and a standard-production 3rd Model.
The serial number appears every place that it should. There is no number on the inside of the grips, but I have no doubt they are original. Inside the right grip panel, this name is clearly carved: L. BURTSCHER
The Jinks factory letter (shown) refers to No. 4007 as a ".22 Single Shot Third Model, Transition Variation." (Any double-action single shot will be lettered as a 3rd Model, no matter how many other attributes it has that are associated with the 2nd Model.) Mr. Jinks added, "This is a very interesting pistol . . ." He also wrote, "These transition variations are found in serial from range 3874 up into the early 4000 serial numbers . . . This change [to the double-action frame] appears to have occurred in December 1909."
The factory letter says, "serial number 4007 was shipped from our factory on February 11, 1910 and delivered to William Hoegee Co., Los Angeles, CA. The records indicate that this handgun was shipped with a 10 inch barrel equipped with a Patridge front sight, blue finish and checkered hard rubber extension target grips." All of that corresponds to the pistol as it came to me.
I have assembled a gallery of additional photos, including some that I used in the 2016 thread, here:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...ngle-Shot-4007
The pistol and factory letter: $2450, plus actual shipping.
*****
SOLD
(11) S&W 2nd Model Single Shot No. 767 (unusual transition features)
No. 767 (1906). This gun has some unusual transition attributes. At the time I acquired it (in 2013), Ralph Tremaine commented, "It’s a 2nd Model; but it’s a 1st Model frame (two pins instead of one)--and it carries a 1st Model barrel (two line address/'Model of '91')...There are 1st Model SS's configured EXACTLY the same as your 2nd model, the only difference being in the serial number range." The serial numbers all match (on the front of the grip frame, on the end of the barrel next to the clasp, on the inside of the clasp, and on the bottom of the ejector plate). I see no writing on the inside of the hard plastic grips, which are in excellent condition.
More discussion of this gun in this thread (starting with Post #23):
Single Shot Transition from Recoil Shield to Groved
The dealer who ran the auction by which I acquired this gun said it had previously belonged to an FBI agent; she had no documentation of that, and in any event, I doubt it was his duty weapon.
The pistol comes with an old holster (shown). There is considerable thinning of the bluing, especially on areas where it rubbed the holster -- both sides of the barrel for about 4 inches down from the muzzle, especially on the right side. The finish is mostly gone on the trigger guard and the inside of the gripstrap. The crown area is somewhat rough -- not clear if this is from old corrosive ammo, the holster, or both. Several inches of the bore have modest damage, I suppose from old corrosive ammo. The finish on the side of the frame is pretty good. The mechanism seems good. I guess I'd characterize it as an 80 percent gun.
The grips look so good I almost have trouble believing they are not replacements. But there was plenty of dirt in the screw holes, which I cleaned out with swabs. They look somewhat older on the inside than the outside. The left grip panel has the imprint, on the outside, "Pat'd Aug 30, 92."
The 2013 S&W factory letter (shown) states that "serial number 767 was shipped from our factory on September 24, 1906, and delivered to B. Johnson, but no address was listed. The records indicate that this pistol was shipped with a 10 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered black hard rubber grips." This all corresponds to the pistol as I received it.
However, Ralph noted that the rear sight blade is a replacement.
Gun, factory letter, vintage holster: PRICE REDUCTION TO $1400 (from $1750). (remember those uncommon transition attributes!) C&R eligible.
Small photo gallery here:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...el-Single-Shot
*****
SOLD 11-27-22(12) S&W Pre-Model 29 (.44 Magnum, 4 screw, 1958)
This is the four-screw variant. Bright blue, 6.5-inch barrel. SN 179371 (shipped May, 1958). Target trigger, target hammer, orange insert front sight, white outline rear sight. I purchased this gun from Terry Popkin in 2011, and it has been in the safe ever since. The condition of the gun is in the high 90s-- see the photos here and in the gallery linked below. The Goncalo Alves "Coke" grips (with football cut) are very nice, certainly appear to be original, and are in excellent condition (there are no numbers inside them).
On Nov. 11, 2016, S&W Historian Roy G. Jinks responded to my inquiry with the information that "Pre-Model 29 serial S179371 was shipped in May 1958."
$2475 plus actual shipping. C&R eligible.
Gallery of Terry Popkin's photos of this revolver:
https://douglasjohnson2.smugmug.com/...-screw-65-inch
***************************************************
BEGIN BATCH #3
ADDED NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving, and here is Batch #3 from the progressive downsizing of my collection -- six more not-common guns for your consideration. Some of these guns have special provenance, are extremely rare variants, or are otherwise hard to find price comparisons for, so I am open to new information and offers. I promise to respectfully consider ALL offers, but I cannot always respond to them immediately.
SOLD 11-27-22
13. S&W Model 29 (no dash) -- beautiful Cokes!
S206463 (1961). Four screw. 8-3/8-inch barrel. Bright blue. Target hammer, target trigger. I won this gun in a David Carroll auction 7 years ago. It has been a safe queen ever since. David Carroll's accurate description at that time: "Outstanding condition overall, it has only very slight collector-type handling wear and use evident...The coke-bottle target stocks are exceptionally fine with no obvious flaws to be found, their grain pattern is absolutely wonderful...Mechanically flawless in every way--the action and lock up is tight, the bore and cylinder chambers are excellent."
Revolver price $2,750, plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
Gallery of additional photos (gun photos by David Carroll, 2015)
here.
*****
14. S&W K-22 First Model (Outdoorsman) with original-era, repaired red box
This K-22 Outdoorsman (K-22 First Model), SN 679343, is in excellent condition. Includes factory letter from Roy Jinks, that says gun was shipped January 21, 1940, to Dave Cook Sporting Goods Co., Denver, CO. "This revolver had a 6 inch barrel equipped with a Patridge front sight, blue finish, and checkered walnut grips." All of this corresponds to what we see on the gun. (The grips are silver medallion, as appropriate.) Matching numbers, including the SN stamped inside the right grip panel. (This revolver does NOT have the "humpback hammer," an option offered late in the model run.)
I bought this gun from renown photographer Terry Popkin in 2010-- he took these excellent photos, and many others that you can view on my photo gallery
here. The gun has been a total safe queen since that purchase, and still looks exactly the same. Excellent condition--I'd rate 85%. Some scuffs on the top strap and other minor defects, as shown in the photo gallery.
The red box I acquired at a later date. It is authentic for this model (but not matched to the gun). I obtained the top of an original appropriate red box that had water damage. It was expertly and amazingly rehabilitated by Gary Lowe (SWCA No. 2515) (the box bottom is from a gold box, colored and aged by Mr. Lowe to match the authentic red box top). I paid a total of $225 for the original box and the later restoration work.
Pistol, box, factory letter: $2,175 plus actual shipping. C&R eligible.
*****
SOLD, DECEMBER 11, 2022.
15. Webley & Scott Single Shot -- Famous Gun Originally Owned by Julian S. Hatcher
This Webley & Scott Single Shot, Serial Number 1533, enjoys a measure of individual celebrity. It was donated by Webley & Scott to serve as the winner's prize for the Bisley (UK) international pistol match in 1931. That match was won by renown American firearms expert Julian S. Hatcher, so he became the original owner of this pistol. A picture of this very pistol appears in Hatcher's still-read 1935 book
Textbooks of Pistols and Revolvers. Awhile back I wrote up a detailed account of this history, which you can review on in the "Other Brands" sub-forum
here, with additional photos of the gun and extensive associated documentation
here.
As discussed in the detailed post linked above, this pistol accommodates a shoulder brace, and from the wear on the solid metal base it appears that Hatcher sometimes shot it that way. However, there is no reference to a brace coming with this particular pistol in the factory documentation or other documentation, and none has come down to me.
Pistol and all associated documentation, $3,150, plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
*****
16. Webley & Scott Mark III Single Shot Target Pistol in very rare .38 Special.
This Webley & Scott Mark III Single Shot from 1963 is a very rare gun-- the factory records indicate that only 40 examples were made in .38 Special, for a short time in the early 1960s. After the sweeping confiscation of handguns in the UK in the late 1990s, probably only a handful of these still survive. (The vast majority of Webley & Scott single shots were in .22LR, with .32 S&W and .38 S&W available as special orders during some periods.) I wrote up a post specifically on this gun that you can read in the "Other Brands" sub-forum
here. You can view additional photos of the gun and associated documentation in my gallery
here.
Pistol with original color paper brochures and digital documents, PRICE REDUCTION to $2,550 (from $2,950), plus actual shipping. C&R eligible.
*****
17. S&W 3rd Model Single Shot No. 10933 (with "really short" Olympic chamber)
This 3rd Model Single Shot is in beautiful condition. It has a rare attribute -- what Ralph Tremaine has called the "really short" version of the Olympic chamber, which was the version employed in the earliest pistols made with the Olympic chamber. Shooters complained about the considerable effort needed to fully insert a cartridge, especially the last little bit, so in later Olympic-chamber pistols the chamber was lengthened slightly. I have two other 3rd Models with the longer Olympic chamber, and there is a definite difference. On this pistol, some modern .22LR rounds (with rounded lead bullets) cannot be chambered at all, or it can be accomplished only by snapping the gun shut, which I certainly don't recommend. However, some ammo types, such as CCI standard velocity round nose and Wolf Match Target, can be pressed with sufficiently with reasonable pressure, although substantially more pressure is required than on the more numerous examples of the later lengthened Olympic chambers.
The serial numbers match five places: Grip frame, butt end of barrel (between the "ears" of the clasp), on the clasp itself, and on the bottom of the ejector plate. The number is also penciled on the inside of the right grip frame.
S&W factory letter from Roy Jinks, shown here, says "serial number 10933 was shipped from our factory on November 28, 1923 and delivered to Robert Nelson Hardware Co., Roanoke, VA. The records indicate that this handgun was shipped with a 10 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut extension target grips."
The pistol had two minor defects when I purchased it in 2013, both of which have been corrected. First, there was a short hairline crack in the top of the left grip panel, which was expertly glued by Terry Popkin; it is still visible, barely, in one of the photos in the photo gallery. The grips have a couple other minor dings but are in overall excellent condition. I obtained a detailed technical drawing of the original style sight, which a talented collector and metal worker named Jose Scoseria exactly duplicated as I observed (this took several hours), including bluing. The sight is 14 mm across the top, with a 6mm tab on the bottom that the adjustment screws butt up against. It has a sighting notch 3mm wide and about 1.5 mm deep.
Additional photos in my gallery
here.
Pistol with its rare "really short" Olympic chamber and factory letter, PRICE REDUCTION to $2,050 (from $2,250), plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
*****
SOLD
18. S&W .22/.32 Heavy-Frame Target Model
SN 220252. (This is about 1917 by serial number, but I see my file also has a notation about a supposed shipping date of February 1915, so go figure.) 6-inch barrel. Fully adjustable target sights. This model, built on the .32 Hand Ejector I frame, is described in detail in the
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition, pp. 132-133. This example is from before heat-treating of cylinder (began about SN 321,000, circa 1920). Professionally refinished long ago (no factory refinish mark)-- it is a nice rich deep blue. Non-original stocks by Jay Scott-- these are well-fitted stocks with substantial wooden base (mahogany maybe) and an ivory-colored plastic overlay.
This revolver seems to me to be all good mechanically-- good bore, timing, lock up. However, it is from the era before heat-treating of cylinders. It also pre-dates the introduction of recessed cylinder holes.
Therefore, this revolver is sold as a collector item only. I personally have not fired it and don't intend to, but if I did, I would certainly use only low-velocity .22LR or .22 Short ammo, and of course wear eye protection (recessed cylinder holes later were introduced because unsupported .22 cartridge rims occasionally failed and emitted hot gases).
Additional high-def photos by Terry Popkin in my gallery
here, plus some close ups that I took of the inside and outside of the Jay Scott stocks.
$550, plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
In the photo above it looks like the bottom of the right stock panel is not flush to the bottom of the grip frame. But in reality, when the screw is properly tightened, both panels are indeed flush; the grips fit perfectly.
**********************************************
BEGIN BATCH #4
ADDED DECEMBER 3, 2022
Here is Batch #4 from my collection downsizing project. I reiterate that I will respectfully consider all offers (the notion of being offended by a so-called "lowball offer" is alien to me), but it will sometimes take me a couple of days to catch up on responses. Please read the terms regarding shipping, etc., at the top of this rolling post. Thank you!
19. S&W Pre-Model 27 (1955)
This is a very nice pre-Model 27 (.357 Magnum) with 6.5 inch barrel, shipped in 1955. SN S139686). There are some very fine scratches and slight finish thinning that you can see under the very bright light used in some of the photos in the linked photo gallery, but I don't see most of that in ordinary light. I'd call it an 85% gun if not better, but look at the photos here and in the linked gallery and be the judge.
It is currently wearing a set of Keith Brown non-glossy Roper-style grips, made in about 2015, I think; they are mint. Also included are the original Magna grips, which are correct and I believe original. The Magnas are in pretty decent shape-- the right panel may have absorbed a little gun oil along the top.
The gold box is period correct but a later acquisition, not linked to this gun. It is completely intact, "fair-to-good" condition (soiled in places).
The revolver seems to be completely mechanically sound, with a perfect bore. I have not fired it.
Pre-Model 27 revolver with both original Magnas and Keith Brown Roper grips, and gold box: $2,150, plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
Several additional photos are available in my photo gallery
here.
********
20. S&W Model 1, Second Issue (1866)
Here we have a very solid example of the Model 1, Second Issue (.22 Rim Fire Short, black powder, 7-shot), SN 97125, shipped July 17, 1866, with "3-3/16 inch barrel, two tone blue & silver finish, and smooth rosewood grips," according to the factory letter (shown here). Everything is pretty snug. The rosewood grips are in good shape. I'd rate it 80% on the Antique scale.
The pistol and the factory letter, $800 [reduced from $1,000] plus actual shipping cost. Note: Under federal postal regulations, this revolver qualifies as an "Antique" that may be mailed between holders of FFL 03 (Curio & Relic license), so if the buyer has a valid C&R I can mail it directly to the buyer via Priority Mail. Otherwise, this can be sent directly to the buyer (in most states) but by UPS or FedEx as is required for other handguns.
Photo gallery
here.
********
21. Buchel "Tell Model 2" free pistol, owned by Olympic shooter Domenico Giambonini
This is a "Tell Model 2" free pistol, built by German gunmaker Ernst Friedrich Buchel, originally owned by Domenico Giambonini, a top-level pistol marksman in the early 20th century. He was born Nov. 11, 1868, in Switzerland, and died on Aug. 8, 1956 in Bellinzona, Switzerland. The barrel of the pistol contains the engraving GIAMBONINI and BELLINZONA. See the short bio that I have reproduced from Olympics.com, which says that Giambonini "came from a family of gunsmiths," won his first international championship in 1895, and achieved his lifetime best score at age 68, in 1936.
I think that this pistol was likely used by Giambonini when he was a member of the Swiss pistol team at the 1920 Olympics at Antwerp, although I have no photographic proof or other definitive documentation of that he used this pistol at that event. At the 1920 Olympics, the Swiss team finished 9th in the Free Pistol 50 meter event; Giambonini is listed as a participant in that event, in which the Tell Model 2 would have been the right tool for the job. (Five team members, including Giambonini, won bronze medals that year in the rapid-fire pistol event.)
The Tell Model 2 was popular among European competition shooters of that era, but also sold in the U.S. through the Stoeger catalogs.
I would consider this to be a 13-3/8-inch barrel (12 inches to frame, 13-3/8 inches to opening of chamber). This pistol has a falling-block action-- the large lever in the grip lowers the block to allow loading. It is a strong action.
The pistol has obviously seen considerable use, but is in overall good condition. The bore is very good. As shown, the rear sight has fine-adjustment capacity. The front sight may have an elevation adjustment, but if so I don't know how it works. I took this pistol to the range once in 2013, with a couple of other expert shooters firing many rounds, with few problems and good accuracy. It has a couple of little idiosyncrasies that I could discuss with any prospective buyer. For example, the set-trigger functions properly; however, it is currently set as a true hair trigger, too light for my preference. However, rather than make adjustments, I am selling the pistol as a collector item only-- if a buyer intends to shoot it, it should first be inspected by a gunsmith acquainted with the mechanisms, and adjusted according to preferences and expert recommendations.
Additional photos of the pistol, and additional documents on Giambonini and the 1920 Olympic pistol events, at my SmugMug photo gallery
here.
Frederick Buchel Tell Model 2, inscribed to Domenico Giambonini, circa 1920, $1,500 plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
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22. Harrington & Richardson USRA Model (Model 195) Single Shot Pistol (1936), S/N R2157
During the 1930s, the H&R USRA Model was about the hottest thing going among small-bore competition target pistols, at least in the USA. In his influential 1938
Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers, Julian S. Hatcher devoted 10 pages to the USRA model. He wrote, "This is the most popular target pistol on the market today. In fact, it now holds the pre-eminent position in the 'Any Pistol' class that was formerly held by the Smith & Wesson Perfected .22..." The primary designer of the model, Walter F. Roper, called it "the very first speed-action single shot pistol ever offered by an American manufacturer." Using a machine rest of new design, Roper and Edwin C. Harrington produced a pistol producing all shots touching at 20 yards and one-inch groups at 50 yards. The pistol had a short hammer drop that jars the pistol very little, and a very fast action, both factors contributing considerably to shooter performance.
Roughly 4,000 were made from 1928-1942. This fine example, no. R2157, was made in or about 1936.
The USRA Model underwent many evolutionary changes, some of which Roper described in his 1945 book Pistol and Revolver Shooting. I have never seen two that are just alike. This particular example has a 10-inch barrel, very nice polished blue finish (with matte topstrap and front sight to reduce glare), adjustable front sight, adjustable rear sight, adjustable trigger. The USRA Model was at one point offered with five different options in one-piece stocks-- this example is wearing what appears to be the walnut #4 style (in excellent condition), which was modeled on the Colt Peacemaker and was, Roper wrote, "the most generally liked" option.
Some of the model's other features are described in these digital reproductions of H&R promotional literature from the 1930s. (Scans of additional vintage H&R promotional publications on the USRA Model are found
on my photo gallery.)
This pistol functions as it should. The wonderful trigger and short hammer drop make it a lot of fun to shoot. The ejector throws the spent casing almost as far as the bullet travels!
There are some fine scratches next to a couple of screws, as you can see in the photos. There are areas on both sides of the hammer that have many small scratches where the metal may have been polished, as visible in photos. There is a lot of thinning to the finish only the inside of the grip strap. Overall condition is excellent.
Additional photos (some taken by the previous owner from whom I acquired the pistol in 2014, and some by me in November 2022) may be viewed in my photo gallery
here.
H&R USRA Model No. R2147, PRICE REDUCTION $1425 [reduced from $1,550], plus actual shipping costs. C&R eligible.
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23. S&W Double Action Fourth Model, .32 S&W "Short" (circa 1905)
This little five-shot revolver (3.5-inch barrel) which chambers the .32 S&W "Short," has nickle finish (with blue trigger guard and clasp) that is in very nice shape. However, the gun (S/N 253877) dates to roughly 1905, the black-powder era. There are some roughish spots in the bore.It has a bit of end-shake and a bit of side-to-side wiggle--not a whole lot, but noticable (maybe somebody shot some smokeless rounds at some point). It wears pearl grips that are not a great fit. So, sold as a cute little display piece item, not recommended as a shooter.
S&W Double Action Fourth Model, $325 plus actual shipping expenses. C&R eligible.
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SOLD
24. Model 63 (no dash), 2-inch barrel (1991).
A very neat little stainless steel revolver, Model 63 (no dash) with 2-inch barrel, round butt, adjustable rear sight, red ramp front sight. Serial number BKD 3930.The revolver is currently wearing a nice set of Kim Ahrends Tactical Revolver Stocks, made from cocobolo, which will be included in the sale. The original walnut stocks are also included, along with the cleaning tools, but no box. (I've shown a box label in one of the photos in my gallery for this gun, but that is just for the purpose of showing the specification details that were associated with this product code, 104000, which was a limited run issued in 1991 (not 1989 as stated on the composite photo shown above). This revolver has been shot some, but has been well cared for and is in excellent condition.
Model 63 with both sets of stocks, $1,225, plus actual shipping costs.
Click
here to see my gallery of additional photos, many by renown photographer Terry Popkin. Included there are some photos of the grip frame with the grips removed.
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WITHDRAWN
...Ben
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