S&W manufactured only 20 44 magnums in February, 1956. S130741 pictured here is one of those few revolvers, having been produced on 2/29/56 in a leap year just like the one we are in now. Most, if not all the early .44 Magnums went to S&W's biggest distributors such as Jesse Harpe in Tampa, FL. Such was the case with S130741. Fred Miller, the assistant sales manager for the factory, took 6 of the earliest .44 Magnums for the S&W display at the 1956 Mid-Winter Nationals in Tampa, FL. The factory letter gives the serial numbers of these early .44 Magnums and collectors might want to keep them in mind when searching for early pre-29s, in particular the first 4 inch 44 Magnum, S130884. Of the 6 listed in the letter, only S130741 and S130853 have turned up. All of the 6 guns were then sold to Jesse Harpe one of Carl Hellstrom's good friends and local Tampa gun dealer who then sold this particular revolver to Jim Stalkamp. Pictured below is some of the provenance on this gun.
Enjoy,
Chuck









Pictured here is the S&W display in Tampa at the Mid-Winter matches. Carl Hellstrom is center and Fred Miller is to his left. The other two gentleman are unknown to me and I am hoping someone on the forum can identify them.

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it's just not far!!!

another outstanding s&w and background of this fine revolver.

WOW!!!

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George Jamison

Very nice Chuck. Early 44 Magnums are still my favorites!!!

Bill

The photography is beautiful and the gun...well, what can you say. Amazing.

Do you know the full date shown on the receipt to Jim Stalkamp? It simply says 3/8. I was just wondering how long it sat in the Jesse Tharpe shop before he sold it.

Craig...

Craig, it was 3/8/1956. Wish we knew where the 4" pre-29 mentioned in the letter wound up.
Chuck

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SWCA1517 SWHF256
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I've already copied the serial numbers for the 4 of 6 guns mentioned in the letter.

I wonder if details like that will be included in the 44 Magnum book that's being prepared? If not, I'll be sure and attach several pages for notes!
Craig...

Craig...the revolvers identified in the letter are included in the 44 Magnum information you will receive.

Bill

Thanks Bill....I can't wait to receive the info! It'll sure beat the yellow legal pad I've been using for my notes!
Craig...

Happy Birthday today old gal. Since your birthday only comes around every 4 years it is a special day for you.
Chuck

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SWCA1517 SWHF256
Rangers LTW!