More info on the nickel plated 4 gun set, with pics

[bk66]

Thanks Bill, Mr. Jinks stated in the letter that the .44 mag left the factory on July 23rd, 1957 to H.H. Harris Co. in Chicago, Ill. He also stated that it was part of a 5 gun shipment and all 5 guns were the same configuration. He did not address how many guns S&W made in this configuration at the time.

 

[Bill Bates]

I do love that set. When looking at it the set makes me wonder if it was put together as a salesman sample package by the distributer. No matter when or where it was done it is one fantastic piece.

 

[Doc44]

bk66...Since the serial number range and shipping date of your 44 Magnum fall into the period when both 5-screw and 4-screw guns were being shipped, it is possible the other four 44 Magnums have a 4-screw frame, or each may have a 5-screw frame. Until they are found and described, we have no way of knowing since the 5- or 4-screw configuration is not shown on the invoice.

Bill

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I do love that set. When looking at it the set makes me wonder if it was put together as a salesman sample package by the distributer. No matter when or where it was done it is one fantastic piece.

It's not a salesman's sample set. The guns shipped to different locations, years apart. So there is no way it is factory. Like has been stated, the Smith & Wesson sign is off of a knife set from the 1970's. None the less it is a great group.
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian.

 

[handejector]

Based on the stamping in the yoke cut and barrel, etc. it is most likely one of the last 5-screw guns shipped (it is stamped like a 4-screw revolver).

Glad the letter confirmed the finish was original.

Bill

Bill,
The OP attached the pic below on 10-15-15.
Please expand on the number '12' that is stamped in the shroud.
I've never seen a barrel marked with a number that does not match any part of the serial number or assembly number.
Why would that 12 be there?

 

[29aholic]

Worth at least $10,000.00 or more...no wonder a buddy of mine got screwed out of one.

 

[410bore]

Bill,
The OP attached the pic below on 10-15-15.
Please expand on the number '12' that is stamped in the shroud.
I've never seen a barrel marked with a number that does not match any part of the serial number or assembly number.
Why would that 12 be there?

Lee,

I have owned 4 screw 29s and 27s with arbitrary numbers in the shroud and have seen others. I asked Bill about this and he told me he didn't have a reason for them but that he had seen and owned several examples with the same markings and that there was nothing out of the ordinary.


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