I have posted S153912 every December since joining the S&W forum some eight years ago. This is a special 44 Magnum to me because it was the first one I acquired when I began collecting S&W again after a long absence from the hobby to serve in the military, raise a family and all the rest of the things young guys do. It is also special because of the person I bought it from and the date it was shipped, on my 6th birthday. I'll hit the big 60 in a couple of days and this old gal is in a lot better shape than I am these days. 
I've said many times this 44 Magnum will be the last to go if I'm around to make that decision. Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season to you all.
Chuck
From previous posts for the new folks here on the forum.
"S&W shipped 399 .44 magnums in December, 1956 making a total of 3095 for the entire year. This one, S153912, came my way over 12 years ago via the late Bill Powell while we were home in Texas on leave from Panama. Bill met me at a Pizza Hut in Midlothian, TX one afternoon and we swapped lies and money and guns that day in the cab of his 1 ton dually Ford pickup. Those of you who knew Bill can relate to that experience I'm certain. Big Bill was one of a kind and he will be talked about and remembered by S&W collectors for years to come. I was pleasantly surprised when the letter came back on the gun because it was shipped on my 6th birthday to a dealer in my home state. It doesn't get any better than that for me. A couple of us on this forum have first year 1956 birthday 44 mags thanks to Mr. Powell. This was also the time that I decided to get back into seriously collecting S&W after many years absence. This post also marks the end of my year- long posting of one 44 magnum for each month of 1956. I hope you folks have enjoyed looking at these first year 44 Mags as much as I have posting them."
Shipping dates of the 12 revolvers by month in Red.
Second month for the smooth dark blue presentation case.
I've said many times this 44 Magnum will be the last to go if I'm around to make that decision. Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season to you all. Chuck
From previous posts for the new folks here on the forum.
"S&W shipped 399 .44 magnums in December, 1956 making a total of 3095 for the entire year. This one, S153912, came my way over 12 years ago via the late Bill Powell while we were home in Texas on leave from Panama. Bill met me at a Pizza Hut in Midlothian, TX one afternoon and we swapped lies and money and guns that day in the cab of his 1 ton dually Ford pickup. Those of you who knew Bill can relate to that experience I'm certain. Big Bill was one of a kind and he will be talked about and remembered by S&W collectors for years to come. I was pleasantly surprised when the letter came back on the gun because it was shipped on my 6th birthday to a dealer in my home state. It doesn't get any better than that for me. A couple of us on this forum have first year 1956 birthday 44 mags thanks to Mr. Powell. This was also the time that I decided to get back into seriously collecting S&W after many years absence. This post also marks the end of my year- long posting of one 44 magnum for each month of 1956. I hope you folks have enjoyed looking at these first year 44 Mags as much as I have posting them."
Shipping dates of the 12 revolvers by month in Red.
Second month for the smooth dark blue presentation case.
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