Model 41 Nickel?

[rck281]

About 15 years ago, Ray Brazille had 2 Model 41s that were factory Nickel (said they would letter, but didn't have a letter). These had been imported from England. Both were 7 3/8" barrels and one had a gold bead front sight. Has anyone seen these guns? I just didn't have the money at the time to buy them.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

I seriously doubt that these pistols would letter as Nickel.

 

[505Gibbs]

I seriously doubt that these pistols would letter as Nickel.

More likely hard chrome do overs.

 

[chief38]

While I have my doubts also, never say never - I' have seen things that shouldn't be - but are!

 

[rct269]

I used to play a little game to keep things interesting----and informative, while wandering around at gun shows------called it "In Search Of An Honest Man". It went like this: I'd carry around a rug with a gun in it. When asked---typically along the lines of "Whacha got in the bag Sonny?", I'd pull it out, tell them I didn't really know what it was, how old it was, and what it was worth. (A somewhat dishonest man---but no harm done---just getting educated.)

This time around, the first such inquiry resulted in me handing them a very spiffy 7 1/2" Triple Lock Target. The first recipient, just stared; and then exclaimed "Oh my!"; and then went on to tell me exactly what it was, that it was a first year gun, what it was worth, and that under no set of circumstances did I want to sell it---that I should take it home and put it on the shelf. (An Honest Man)

The next such inquiry came from Ray Brazille. (I knew who he was---he didn't know me from a bale of hay.) He too gave me the straight skinny---right up until telling me the value. Instead, he offered me $1500 for it. I replied something to the effect of "That's nice work if you can get it." With that, he laughed and said "Well, you can't blame a fellow for trying." (A fairly Honest Man----and what turned out to be a walking encyclopedia on things Smith & Wesson.)

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

S&W 41 Nickel

While I do not consider myself a mow 41 expert, I have appreciated them closely for many years and treasure the examples I have. Some years ago at an OGCA show, I saw a nickel 41 that also had what I am pretty certain were British proof marks. I haven’t seen another like it and don’t recall taking with the person who had it on the table. Wish I had.

 

[Drm50]

15 or 20 years ago there was a nickel 7” m41 floating around gun shows. It wasn’t factory, even though guy selling it was hawking it as rare special order piece.

 

[Golddollar]

While I do not consider myself a mow 41 expert, I have appreciated them closely for many years and treasure the examples I have. Some years ago at an OGCA show, I saw a nickel 41 that also had what I am pretty certain were British proof marks. I haven’t seen another like it and don’t recall taking with the person who had it on the table. Wish I had.

I like shiny guns. For the right price I would have been all over that.

 

[Aussie Collector]

I'm aware of one factory nickel model 41 that shipped to UK.
For each factory nickel model 41 there is 100 more non-factory nickel / hard chrome 41s out there.

 

[rck281]

Ray was sure they would letter. If fact he guaranteed it, if it didn't letter, I could return the guns for a full refund. And he would have done it. I bought and sold guns for 40 years with Ray before he passed. Of all the dealers, IMHO he was the most honest and forthright. Every transaction wasn't about how much money he could extract from you.

 

[rck281]

See post by Doc44. I guess I did miss out

Richard...The Model 29-2 with a 7 1/2-inch barrel was made for Keith Perks, owner of Springfield Firearms, Cornwall, England. Springfield Firearms was the company that distributed S&W products in the United Kingdom. This engraved revolver was carried in his personal luggage along with a Model 53, blue/nickel finish, Class "C" engraved, and a Model 39. The invoice is dated October 15, 1966. Mr. Perks ordered and received many special S&Ws over the years. When England essentially outlawed the personal ownership of handguns and firearms in general, Mr. Perks was able to return many of his special guns including a Model 41 with a nickel finish and McGivern front sight, to the United States via the company owned by S&WCA Founding Member, Bill Orr (G. T. Distributors). Bill then sold many of them to Ray Brazille and I purchased several from him. The revolver pictured is in another collection, but I still have a custom engraved and inlaid with gold 29-2 that was made for Mr. Perks in late 1965. It was my first 44 Magnum with factory gold inlays.

Bill

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

My bud had a two toned M41. Thinking the slide was still blued but the frame was parked. Looked ok. Tried to buy it from him but he wouldn’t sell it but did horse trade it at the Raleigh show. I eventually found one a couple miles from my house at a moving sale. A great pistol.