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. Since this pre-29's birthday only comes around every 4 years, thought I'd repost some pics of this old gal and her provenance.
Enjoy,
Chuck
1517
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.
Enjoy,
Chuck
1517
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.
Nice catch!
