Leap Day 44 Magnum

[Doc44]

This 44 Magnum, S130853, was manufactured on February 29, 1956 and taken with five other 44 Magnums to the Mid-Winter Matches in Tampa, FL as part of the factory display. After the matches, the display was sold to Jesse Harpe. This early 44 Magnum (one of the first thirty made by S&W) turns fifteen today!!! (click on the photo for a better look)

Bill

 

[Theoak84]

Nice 44. Today is my bday! I should buy a 44!

 

[steve61]

Sweet! Thanks, Bill!

 

[SigKev]

Bill, we're all five of the 44 Magnums sold to Mr. Harpe? Were they all the same finish and configuration? And do we know the whereabouts of the other four? Thank you for sharing this early 44 Magnum.

 

[Doc44]

Kevin...All were bright blue and the entire factory collection was sold to Mr. Harpe. Five of the six have a 6 1/2-inch barrel except S130884 which is the first 44 Magnum made with a 4-inch barrel. I have owned two of the five with a 6 1/2-inch barrel. The disposition of the 4-inch is unknown.

Bill

 

[Targets Guy]

Great story. Beautiful .44

 

[Modified]

This early 44 Magnum (one of the first thirty made by S&W) turns fifteen today!!!

15?

Don't you mean 60?

Absolutely glorious gun by the way.

 

[KEN L]

Since February 29th only happens once every four years, 15 would be the correct age.

 

[1blindref]

Oh my!
There are a few members whose threads I always open and you never disappoint. Thank you for sharing that one Bill.

 

[Modified]

Since February 29th only happens once every four years, 15 would be the correct age.

Ahh, a leap day joke. Wouldn't it be more correct to say it celebrated it's 15th birthday?

 

[boykinlp]

This 44 Magnum, S130853, was manufactured on February 29, 1956 and taken with five other 44 Magnums to the Mid-Winter Matches in Tampa, FL as part of the factory display. After the matches, the display was sold to Jesse Harpe. This early 44 Magnum (one of the first thirty made by S&W) turns fifteen today!!! (click on the photo for a better look)

Bill

At the matches in Tampa, would guns have been used as awards? And if they were, did S&W supply them?

 

[Doc44]

boykinlp...S&W did supply some revolvers as awards at these matches. However, the ones I have seen were inscribed as to the type of award, etc. on the side plate. The guns in the factory display were used to show what S&W had to offer and to stimulate interest and sales. To my knowledge, the entire display was sold to Jesse Harpe who later sold the guns in his store.

Bill

 

[j38]

... don't know what all the fuss is about, ... just another 29th 29.

Jerry