"My Alaska Bush Companion", 44 Magnum, S131000

[Doc44]

In 1955, Bram Tellekamp, an outdoorsman and hunter in Alaska wrote Carl Hellstrom about the need for a 44 Magnum in Alaska. Mr. Tellekamp was particularly concerned about grizzlies. Mr. Hellstrom told Bram that if he would stop by the factory on his way back to Alaska, he would be presented with a 44 Magnum. As it turned out, Mr. Tellekamp was unable to visit Springfield, but his 44 Magnum was shipped to him on April 12, 1956. It has serial number S131000 and has a personal note typed on the inovice that is "signed" C. R. H. (for Carl R. Hellstrom, President of S&W). The revolver was fitted with rosewood stocks. A picture of Bram with his "Alaska Bush Companion" in a shoulder holster is also shown below.

Bram kept his 44 Magnum for over thirty years beofore selling it in 1987. I acquired it about ten years later. It is one of my favorite guns!!

Bill

 

[mtb1bkr]

Doc,
You never fail to amaze us with your extensive collection of 44 Magnums. You should do a photo collage with all of them in one thread. If you do that, you might want to put out a drool warning so we can cover our keyboards. Between you and Chuck, I don't know which of you I would like to be adopted by.

Bill

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

That isn't the flashiest 29 that you have posted Bill, but it darn sure is the coolest, and my favorite!!

It has real history, and was used for what they were originally designed for, hunting, and self defense around big dangerous game. Great post!!

I noticed that Mr Tellekamp is also holding a pre '64 Winchester model 70 in the photo. Do you know what happened to that gun as well? It would be another intreresting story, since they are highly sought after as well.

Any info on the photo, like when it was taken, and what part of Alaska?

I lived in Alaska, and my brother still does to this day, so this is by far my favorite post you have put up. Thank You!

 

[29aholic]

Guess that is the definitive answer to the rosewood coke question.
Very cool documentation, and a great gun.

 

[Doc44]

Curtis...I have a 44 Magnum manufactured in February 1956 and one shipped in November 1956 that are also fitted with rosewood stocks. There weren't nearly as many as those made of Goncalo alves, but they are around.

G4F...I am sure Mr. Tellekamp eventually sold most of his guns, but I am only familiar with the disposition of the 44 Magnum.

Bill

 

[Joe in SC]

A most interesting revolver with a great story as well. This is the kind of stuff that keeps me coming back to this forum.

Doc, do you know what happened to Mr. Tellekamp after selling the revolver?

 

[29aholic]

Doc, do you know what happened to Mr. Tellekamp after selling the revolver?

A bear ate him

 

[Doc44]

Mr. Tellekamp lived in the Seattle area when he sold the 44. I don't know if he is still alive or not. If he is, he would be in his 90s.

Bill

 

[diamonback68]

Originally posted by Doc44:
Mr. Tellekamp lived in the Seattle area when he sold the 44. I don't know if he is still alive or not. If he is, he would be in his 90s.

Bill

He was Hellstrom's hunting, camping an fishing buddy wasn't he?

 

[Doug M.]

Doc, much as I need to hate you due to my jealousy over that fine collection you have, I KNOW your insurance agent must REALLY hate you.

 

[Doc44]

Dick...I don't think Bram was acquainted with Hellstrom. At least from the letters I have, I don't see any prior connection.

Bill

 

[Doc44]

Doug...I am originally from Spokane.

Bill

 

[JayCeeNC]

A great gun with some real history, thanks for sharing, Bill.

 

[NT430]

Mr. Tellekamp lived in the Seattle area when he sold the 44. I don't know if he is still alive or not. If he is, he would be in his 90s.

Bill

Bill,

A "Frank Vernon Telekamp" died in Vancouver, Wa. Feb. 26th, 1980. This is the only "Tellekamp/ Tellkamp" I'm able to find in Washington at this time...
It appears as though most of that name settled in the Brookings, SD area....

 

[Guest]

I found the following:

Karl Tellekamp Seattle WA 52

Brahm Tellekamp Monroe WA 78

Christy Tellekamp Tacoma WA 37

Marianneke Tellekamp Woodinville WA 58

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

KKG,
are those numbers the year they died, or their age?

It would be nice to know more about Mr. Tellekamps' wanderings, and where he did indeed hang it up, if at all yet.

 

[wraco]

Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun:
I noticed that Mr Tellekamp is also holding a pre '64 Winchester model 70 in the photo. Do you know what happened to that gun as well? It would be another intreresting story, since they are highly sought after as well.

I picked out the pre-64 M70 too. Given the time frame and what appears to be a 26' barrel, I bet it was a 300 H&H.

Rod

 

[29aholic]

wraco
If you look closely at the rounds in his belt I would say it was a 375 H&H

 

[ElToro]

what a man's man. buckskin coat, ammo belt, creased trousers with those old school boots.
very cool.

and one of your magnums actually shows holster wear ! but its ok, as it that nice piece EARNED it. wow the stories it could probably tell

thanks again for sharing

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

wraco, Curtis-

I'm going to say that since he had ordered a new model 29 and was using it, the gun he is holding would probably be a new model 70 Alaskan in .338. The .375 from that time period would have a black forend tip, and the shells don't have the tapered look of the great old .300 H&H.