Original period correct box

[robert aquilino]

Hi All,

I was given a 1956-57 .44 magnum from my father-in-law who passed a few years ago. The pistol is in impeccable condition and has the original factory walnut grips. It is a four bolt with a 6.5" barrel.

I am looking for guidance on how to source an original period correct box that the pistol came with any tools.

Any guidance is much appreciated.

Regards,
Bob Aquilino

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! See post #16 of this thread, courtesy of Doc44:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...07261-through-years-1956-a.html#post141808296

You may try a Wanted to Buy ad here:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted-buy/

The stocks are Goncalo Alves, the case has a black or very dark blue vinyl covering and these items are fairly expensive. Good luck in your search.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum, Bob. You inherited a very early and desirable .44 Magnum revolver, and it is perhaps a first year model. These 5-screw revolvers were beautifully made, and yours would have been shipped with "Coke Bottle" wooden stocks (grips) and in a black/blue lined case. Both the stocks and case are rather rare and pricey, but can be found occasionally on eBay or here on the Forum's "Want to Buy" section...original stocks are upwards of $1k and the case will probably cost you $750. Original tools (cleaning rod, mop, and SAT (sight adjustment tool)) are also fairly rare and pricey. As it is, your .44 Magnum revolver by itself is probably worth in excess of $2K. We have some extremely knowledgeable gurus here on the Forum, and I'm sure that they will be along shortly to provide more info. If you could include a serial number (remove the stocks, it's on the bottom of the grip frame...S 13xxxx) and some photos, that would certainly help.

 

[gmborkovic]

Bob, what barrel length did you get?

 

[JH1951]

Hello, Bob, and welcome to the Forum. You have a very nice and interesting inheritance, and have come to the right place to get good information. The box, stocks, etc. are expensive, but keep in mind it is a fraction of the value overall. I'm looking forward to learning more about your .44, as are others here.

 

[robert aquilino]

.44 mag original grips and box

The barrell length is 6.5" and is believed to have been manufactured in 1955-56. The serial # is: S 172838.

 

[Hawg Rider]

According to the SCSW 4th Ed. ("Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson"...our reference "Bible"!), your .44 Magnum revolver was manufactured in 1956-1957 (S150000-S175999), probably 1957. However, that doesn't mean that it shipped from the factory that year. .44 Magnums sometimes sat around S&W for awhile before being issued. I'm not sure if yours is a 5-screw or 4-screw version...with the stocks removed, a 5-screw has four screws on the right side plate and one in front of the trigger guard? The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1956 @ S 167500, but some 5-screw revolvers have s/n as high as S 174500- which could included yours. Otherwise, it's a 4-screw. S-prefix s/n 5-screw and 4-screw revolvers bring a premium, partly because S&W began stamping model numbers instead of just naming their revolvers (e.g. ".44 Magnum" became the "Model 29") in 1958.

 

[22hipower]

I have S172898 which is a four screw which shipped in 1957. Yours could be a five or a four screw although given the SN proximity to mine I suspect it is a four. Either way, nice gun and I would go to the expense of adding the correct stocks and box/tools. I would spend the $100 for a letter too which will give you the exact ship date and the location to which it shipped. The gun, having been your Dad's, is priceless to you; might as well put the entire period correct package together. . . .and pass it on to other family members eventually. We would very much like to see pictures. And welcome to the Forum.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Doc44]

Your 44 Magnum dates to 1957 and would have been shipped with a presentation case like the one shown below. The correct stocks for your 44 Magnum are made of Goncalo alves and are also shown below. Click on the photos for a better look.

Bill

 

[robert aquilino]

It has a 6.5" barrel.

 

[robert aquilino]

Bill,

any guidance on where I can find the box-tools etc., for my .44 Mag?

Thx,
Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

Bill,

any guidance on where I can find the box-tools etc., for my .44 Mag?

Thx,
Bob

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