Fire Breathing Dragon ! (.44 Target Model of 1950)

[Say When!]

After I purchased my first S&W .44 Target Model of 1950 (Pre-Model 24) revolver with scarce and authenticated factory "Pinto" finish in March of this year, which I previously shared with y'all, I really became enamored with this S&W model and the .44 Special caliber.

This week, I discovered and purchased another (IMHO) spectacular specimen (1 of 5,050).

It has an interesting provenance. It was previously owned by a wealthy almond farmer in Red Bluff, CA by the name of Raymond Dutro. Mr. Dutro (RIP) absolutely loved engraved handguns, rifles & shotguns. In 1996, he commissioned an engraver by the name of Jim Sornberger to engrave this revolver with a fabulous (silver & gold inlaid) fire breathing dragon!

The fire coming out of the dragon's mouth and its claws are 24-carat gold, as are the gold bands on the revolver. In addition, it's sporting a flawless set of genuine ivory stocks.

However, this revolver does have some distractions. As you can see, it has been re-blued (black). Unfortunately, the case color on the hammer and trigger was polished off. The front sight may not be original. I welcome input from Smith & Wesson Forum members.

Notwithstanding it's not factory original condition, I was really mesmerized by the fierce fire breathing dragon and sensational ivory stocks! I'm absolutely thrilled to have it in my modest collection!

 

[handejector]

NICE!
I suspect your dragon might be platinum, not silver. I could be wrong.
If the hammer and trigger bug you, they could easily be replaced.

 

[Say When!]

WOW! Thanks for the feedback, Lee!

 

[Say When!]

Lee: Can you tell if the front sight is original?

 

[SS336]

Bet Lee is correct, a chunk of silver that big would tarnish pretty quickly I would think.
That looks pretty cool no the less. The ivory stocks are the cherry on top. Beautiful revolver.

 

[quinn]

That is a stunner! Glad that dragon moved to Texas.

 

[handejector]

Lee: Can you tell if the front sight is original?

It is not, IMO.

 

[Skyhunter]

BEAUTIFUL Revolver!
Thanks for sharing!

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[Doc44]

I agree with Lee. The Patridge front sight blade was replaced with a custom red ramp. The dragon is platinum. Silver would tarnish and be nearly black by now. Very cool gun.

Bill

 

[krsmith58]

Absolutely magnificent. i like fancy grips and would like to own an engraved Smith some day. thanks for sharing. kenneth ray smith, mauriceville texas USA

 

[raljr1]

Well, since it has been reblued, it drastically reduces its collector value...being the generous sort and taking pity on you, I will give you $500 for it... shipping included, of course.

I like it.

Robert

 

[Say When!]

Robert:
That's a VERY magnanimous offer!
Thank you very much!

 

[Chukar60]

The engraving is nice but those stocks are gorgeous.

 

[bigmoose]

That is a great example of the gunmaker's (S&W) and the engraver's (Sorenberger) skill and artistry. Very well done.

 

[delcrossv]

First the pinto, now this?!?
YOU, David, need to join the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association!

 

[Say When!]

delcrossv: I joined Smith & Wesson Collectors Association! Thanks!

 

[MrG5122]

Very nice! Fords can case color the hammer and trigger for a reasonable price.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Awesome start!

Just my guess: after engraving was completed, it had to be reblued and the artist chose this darker appearance to further highlight the work.

 

[Say When!]

Fire Breathing Dragon !

NICE!
I suspect your dragon might be platinum, not silver. I could be wrong.

I called the engraver, Jim Sornberger, who explained that he made the Fire Breathing Dragon out of .999 pure silver, which tarnishes much slower.

Jim went on to explain that the previous owner kept his silver & gold inlaid and engraved weapons protected in glass cases with minimal handling by human hands.

 

[RKmesa]

After I purchased my first S&W .44 Target Model of 1950 (Pre-Model 24) revolver with scarce and authenticated factory "Pinto" finish in March of this year, which I previously shared with y'all, I really became enamored with this S&W model and the .44 Special caliber.

This week, I discovered and purchased another (IMHO) spectacular specimen (1 of 5,050).

It has an interesting provenance. It was previously owned by a wealthy almond farmer in Red Bluff, CA by the name of Raymond Dutro. Mr. Dutro (RIP) absolutely loved engraved handguns, rifles & shotguns. In 1996, he commissioned an engraver by the name of Jim Sornberger to engrave this revolver with a fabulous (silver & gold inlaid) fire breathing dragon!

The fire coming out of the dragon's mouth and its claws are 24-carat gold, as are the gold bands on the revolver. In addition, it's sporting a flawless set of genuine ivory stocks.

However, this revolver does have some distractions. As you can see, it has been re-blued (black). Unfortunately, the case color on the hammer and trigger was polished off. The front sight may not be original. I welcome input from Smith & Wesson Forum members.

Notwithstanding it's not factory original condition, I was really mesmerized by the fierce fire breathing dragon and sensational ivory stocks! I'm absolutely thrilled to have it in my modest collection!

I'm late to this game, but I very much like those two revolvers. Thanks for sharing!