A cool Registered Magnum w/SWHF provenance

[29aholic]

I knew this gun was interesting when I found it over a year ago. It is one of the approximately 32-38 RM's with an 8 3/8" barrel. My interest was further peaked when I asked Roy for a ship date and he told me I really needed to letter this one. Turns out it was shipped to a Naval Officer aboard his ship.

Here is a link to the original thread I posted on the gun
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...ed-registered-mags.html?highlight=jacob+jones

About a week ago I was talking to Bill and this gun came up again. I provided him with the Registration Number 1898 and we were awarded with an astounding amount of really cool documentation which I will let speak for itself.

Here is what an SWHF letter looks like

Lt Schmidt's original letter to the factory

The RM order form filled out by the factory based on the Lt's letter

A letter to DB Wesson thanking him for the barrel length suggestion and shipping instructions in case the gun cant make it in time to Norfolk

A letter from DB assuring the gun will make it in time

And finally the invoice

Note the final price

Instructions per DBW to make sure the gun ships on time

Unfortunately the gun no longer wear's its original Magna Stocks but considering the Lt. was a shooter and the gun probably spent a while on a ship, it is still in 96-97% original condition

This gun is for sale if anyone is interested PM or email me.

 

[m-1911]

What is the procedure to get a letter fron the SWHF

 

[Doc44]

Gary...go to our website, swhf and click on heading about the letter process and go on from there.

Bill

 

[ElToro]

now that is cool. back in the day when the pres of the company would see to i that your order was filled. And they gave him a healthy military discount of 20% anybody know the whereabouts of Lt Schmidt ?

 

[29aholic]

Lt. Schmidt

now that is cool. back in the day when the pres of the company would see to i that your order was filled. And they gave him a healthy military discount of 20% anybody know the whereabouts of Lt Schmidt ?

ElToro

If you will follow the link to the original thread, there is a little bit more about Schmidt. The trail ends in the 60's, but I am still looking.

 

[vintagesmith]

Curtis, I am glad we turned up so much for you! I recently had several that I am displaying looked up and will letter. I love the history!!

 

[n4zov]

As a matter of possible interest, Lt Schmidt was not aboard the Jacob Jones when she was torpedoed and sunk near the entrance to Delaware Bay, NJ on February 28, 1942. All officers aboard were lost when the first torpedo hit beneath the bridge and officers' quarters. There were only eleven survivors and all were enlisted men.

USS Jacob Jones (DD-130) — Research of Andrew Wilde

 

[29aholic]

As a matter of possible interest, Lt Schmidt was not aboard the Jacob Jones when she was torpedoed and sunk near the entrance to Delaware Bay, NJ on February 28, 1942. All officers aboard were lost when the first torpedo hit beneath the bridge and officers' quarters. There were only eleven survivors and all were enlisted men.

USS Jacob Jones (DD-130) — Research of Andrew Wilde

Commander Schmidt was in charge of a gunship during WWII which got in a running gun battle with the shore batteries on Normandy to the point it ran out of ammo and had to sail back to England to be refitted.

 

[long colt frazier]

Wow Curtis a very interesting history lesson. I wish they taught it that way while I was in school;-)

 

[45Wheelgun]

Somehow with the trip to Tucson, I missed this thread. Thanks for sharing Curtis.

 

[j38]

Fascinating history, and a great looking RM, Curtis. The SWHF comes through, ... as advertised!

Best Regards,

Jerry Mishler
#2080

 

[Scotter260]

As indicated in the Bible it's foolish to wish for days gone by but wouldn't it be refreshing today if you could send off a letter without a proper order form and approximate funds to hopefully cover the cost of vaguely ordered item and know that you could trust the recipient on the other end to take care of getting you squared away....and then send you your change.

Great thread, thank you for it.

 

[Old TexMex]

He carried S&Ws in "squeaky locations". I love it. Great history. Fantastic Magnum. Thanks for bringing this thread back.

 

[geoff40]

John Schmidt - Discussion/bulletin boards for John W. Schmidt

I think you will find some new roads to explore here. I've already sent an email to his grand daughter at the email address posted, and I sent her a link to this thread. Hopefully she will be willing to chime in and help, and I hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toesin doing so.

 

[29aholic]

John Schmidt - Discussion/bulletin boards for John W. Schmidt

I think you will find some new roads to explore here. I've already sent an email to his grand daughter at the email address posted, and I sent her a link to this thread. Hopefully she will be willing to chime in and help, and I hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toesin doing so.

No toes stepped on at all. I would love to see if she can provide more provenance on such a historical revolver. It amazes me this thread got brought back up after so long. The gun is still in safe keeping in AR. Having had it in my grubby little mits I can tell you it is a great gun, and enjoyed by someone who was a shooter.

 

[LOBO]

Amazing!!!

 

[sw1834]

Great story and a Great Gun. Stories like this make me proud to be a member of such worthwhile organizations.
SWCA #1834
SWHF Founding member