Heavy Duty #37465 - The First Of What I think Will Be Many

RM Vivas

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So I am starting to think about expanding my interests into the pre-war HD/OD/M1926 field.

Rather than collect rare variations and the like, I think my niched focus will be on guns that can be documented to interesting people and groups.

I would love to have a %99 HD in 4-inch in the original box that letters to Shapleigh or Cook Brother and wouldn’t turn it down if it came my way (and I had the scratch!). However, I think I’m going to be more along the lines of %75 HD with a scratch on the side that letters as a direct shipment to Major Joe Smith of the 11th Infantry who carried it in WW2 or letters to Washington DC police and has a repair tag that says it was sent in for repair after Officer Joe Blow wrecked his motorcycle in an accident during a motorcade. That sort of thing. I want it to be a collection of guns that tell stories.

HOWEVER, I am not adverse to grabbing an anonymous HD if the circumstances were right, as they were yesterday.

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Smith & Wesson Heavy Duty 5-inch #37465 went to WS Brown Co. in Pittsburgh December 1930.

Finish has honest wear but its not into the metal. You can see where it sported either Pachs or Magnas for a long while. I haven’t pulled the grips yet.

The only major issue is that at some point the hammer broke and someone brazed a new extension on it.

HD3.jpg

Locks up tighter than a clams butt and that's waterproof; smooth trigger, surprisingly comfortable service stocks that I haven't checked the number on yet.

As I said, an unremarkable gun with no real discernible history.

So why buy it? Well, it'd be good shooter and it was $550 out the door!

Oy, such a deal I should be getting!!!

Range report in a day or two.

Fellow also had an M&P .32-20 #72495 but I took a pass.

Best,
RM Vivas
 
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You won't like this nasty new habit at all, Robert...I suggest you send that one immediately to some poor soul who is already addicted...I can give you an address in Texas when you come to your senses...;)...Ben
 
"So I am starting to think about expanding my interests into the pre-war HD/OD/M1926 field."

Many moons ago my collecting interest was sparked by 1946-49 transitional N frames and quickly expanded to include pre-war N frames. Along the way I collected several "experienced" HD and .44 Military examples, some in need of professional service. 61406 is not a .44 Military but actually an Heavy Duty with humpback hammer that was modified after leaving the factory, shipped to a man who would become Chief of Police in Bozeman, MT. The 1946 .44HE and HD are well-used and well-loved shooters, the .44 3rd is a W&K and my only pre-war 1926 Model, and the 2nd Model .44HE shipped to Belknap Hardware in Louisville, KY. Many of my pre-1950 N frames shipped to individuals including law enforcement, others to hardware stores and distributors. Be careful, though, because posting pics and naming the original owner may bring family members interested in buying "grandpa's gun". That happened to me after posting pics and info about the owner of a 4" .44HE 3rd Military transitional that shipped to the man who became Chief of Police in Beaumont TX.
 

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Truckmans Home For Wayward HD's? :p

Best,
RM Vivas
My home has only one of the older HD's to keep the younger hooligans from the post-war era company...So any old timers to keep the one pictured below company will be gratefully accepted into the fold... :rolleyes: ...Ben

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The first HD I ever bought came from the estate of a deputy constable in New Jersey. I have never lettered it but still have the communication with Bill Patteson after he moved from central Texas to Kansas. Serial number 35221 shipped to George F. Herold, NYC, NY on 24 April 1930. Likely a first month or so gun. Older than my mom and she is old.

All matching including stocks which are hardly worn on the left side and nearly worn smooth on the right. I can envision this officer getting in and out of his patrol car in the freezing winter night and the right side rubbing against the heavy coat for years. Probably rubbed on it while talking with some young scalawag he was trying to set straight.
 

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