Well Close anyhow. Drove out and met the gentleman who said he had a gun like my 1926 pawnshop engraved 1926 3rd model 44 HE. Well here is serial # 32623 (reads the same backwards as forward)Belonged to a New Mexico Lawman. the story was that He got it as a gift from a Rich Texas Oilman. I found the owners Obituary on line His Grandson whom I bought it from is mentioned. I have lots of research to do on this one. The Obit is below
MATHEWS: Owen C. "Slim" Matthews, 79, retired, a resident of Grant County for 55 years, died at midnight Monday in Hillcrest General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Matthews had a colorful career as sheriff of Grant County having served for the longest period of time of any sheriff in the county. Besides his career as a law enforcement officer, Mr. Matthews' chief interests were mining and baseball, having come here from pitch for the Chino Mines Copper Company, now the Chino Mines Division of Kennecott Copper Corporation. He first ran for sheriff in 1934 and served in the sheriff's department for a period of 12 years altogether. He had mining interests in the community and was a well-known sportsman, being instrumental in bringing many out-of-staters and friends here for the hunting seasons. Matthews was named to the state racing commission in 1947 after horse racing was legalized in 1946. He was a life member of the Stockdale, Tex., Masonic Lodge No. 470; a member of the First Baptist Church of Silver City; of the Silver City Elks Lodge No. 413 and a charter member of the New Mexico Sheriff and Police Association. Survivors of the deceased include his widow, Mrs. Loraine Matthews of Silver City; a son, Amos Matthews of Smelterville, Idaho, a daughter, Elizabeth Moore of Globe, Ariz.; and a grandson, Owen S. Moore from Globe. Family members have requested the omission of floral offerings, suggesting instead that contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Silver City in memory of Mr. Matthews. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at the Curtis Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Claude J. Williams officiating. Burial will be made in the Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Meyers, Owen S. Moore, A. R. Rhodes, Sam Stearrnan, Ralph H. Wright and Jesus Arciero.
MATHEWS: Owen C. "Slim" Matthews, 79, retired, a resident of Grant County for 55 years, died at midnight Monday in Hillcrest General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Matthews had a colorful career as sheriff of Grant County having served for the longest period of time of any sheriff in the county. Besides his career as a law enforcement officer, Mr. Matthews' chief interests were mining and baseball, having come here from pitch for the Chino Mines Copper Company, now the Chino Mines Division of Kennecott Copper Corporation. He first ran for sheriff in 1934 and served in the sheriff's department for a period of 12 years altogether. He had mining interests in the community and was a well-known sportsman, being instrumental in bringing many out-of-staters and friends here for the hunting seasons. Matthews was named to the state racing commission in 1947 after horse racing was legalized in 1946. He was a life member of the Stockdale, Tex., Masonic Lodge No. 470; a member of the First Baptist Church of Silver City; of the Silver City Elks Lodge No. 413 and a charter member of the New Mexico Sheriff and Police Association. Survivors of the deceased include his widow, Mrs. Loraine Matthews of Silver City; a son, Amos Matthews of Smelterville, Idaho, a daughter, Elizabeth Moore of Globe, Ariz.; and a grandson, Owen S. Moore from Globe. Family members have requested the omission of floral offerings, suggesting instead that contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Silver City in memory of Mr. Matthews. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at the Curtis Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Claude J. Williams officiating. Burial will be made in the Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Meyers, Owen S. Moore, A. R. Rhodes, Sam Stearrnan, Ralph H. Wright and Jesus Arciero.
