Half the Holy Grail Pre 24

[papalondog]

A while back there was a post about a Smith and Wesson 44 target model of 1950 Pre 24. The gun sported a 3 1/2 inch barrel and questions were raised if it was a factory made gun. Bill Cross commented that he knew there was a consecutive pair of them made and of four others. I just received a letter on this gun and it is one of the consecutive serial number pair that were made. Sure would like to find the other one.

 

[Hondo44]

Very cool!

Need to check back with Bill and also check the Forum database. After all the years many of these raritys' whereabouts are known.

Also change the title of your thread to reflect to something more meaningful so reader's can tell that you'd like to find its mate.

 

[mikepriwer]

The beauty of the rib on the barrel was the ability to cut a barrel to any length, and then simply mount/remount the front sight. The rib is what enabled the production of all the various registered magnum barrel lengths.

Good luck finding the other revolver. I've been looking, for 15 years or more, for S118087, a standard 4" 44 special. It has to be somewhere, but I've never seen it offered for sale.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Doc44]

I thought the person who originally posted about the pair of 1950 44 Targets with a 3 1/2-inch barrel had both of them, but I may be mistaken.

Bill

 

[papalondog]

I picked this one up from a deputy sheriff jailer in the Seattle area. He helped another deputy clean out either his father or grandfather's house when he passed. The father/grandfather I was told, was a well know Gun collector that had some high end stuff. The jailer was given this gun for helping his friend with the moving. He said he knew little about guns and wanted some cash. I don't know if the collector had both or not. I will try to trace it down.

 

[quinn]

I think I really, really need one of those! I am jealous! Congrats!

 

[beagleye]

Gem, what a.

 

[ddixie884]

Cool Cool Cool...................

 

[Marshal Tom]

I am pretty sure I hate you now!!!

 

[6string]

Hi,
Congrats on a great find. Thanks for sharing the pics and the excerpt from the letter.
Couple Questions:
Is there any difference in the placement of the rollmarks on the barrel?
Since the letter mentions a surcharge for the cutting of the barrel and re-installation of the sight, does that mean the barrel was an otherwise stock barrel blank from inventory?

 

[papalondog]

Roll mark looks centered to me. Another interesting thing the initials engraved on the trigger guard.

 

[papalondog]

Initials on trigger guard

 

[6string]

Roll mark looks centered to me. Another interesting thing the initials engraved on the trigger guard.

I agree! Kinda suggests that the barrel blank was unmarked until after it was cut, then roll marks applied accordingly.
As for the initials, I'd say "JWM" decided this S&W was a keeper!

Nice!

 

[CH4]

Beautiful piece with a cool story.

 

[mtgianni]

I agree! Kinda suggests that the barrel blank was unmarked until after it was cut, then roll marks applied accordingly.
As for the initials, I'd say "JWM" decided this S&W was a keeper!

Nice!

If I owned it I would change my middle name and be set.

 

[Narragansett]

Initials on trigger guard

Very nice Lonnie. Maybe John Wilkes Mahoney?

 

[SAFireman]

Very nice Lonnie. Maybe John Wilkes Mahoney?

Naw....J.W. Marriot

 

[papalondog]

Naw....J.W. Marriot

John Wayne Morrison

 

[papalondog]

No luck so far finding the mate. Did get a surprise in the mail. Roy sent me a second letter with a bit more detail.

 

[Kinman]

Beautiful...Just plain beautiful, that is one of my grail guns and I have satisfied myself with a 24-3 L.H.S, the only advantage is that I think nothing about carrying and shooting the 24-3, the rarity of your one of three would cause me pause to reflect. Very special handgun, congrats on your find. Off the top of my head I can't think of a model and barrel length I would be more happy with, I like my 24-3...it will do.