Pre war .357 - Maybe it’s the same John ?

[mchom]

It bears further research…
I picked this Reg Mag up about 18 months back at AMOSKEAG. I prefer LE associated pre war magnums. At least it appears in very good condition with original finish. Not sure what I was thinking at the time but I figured if I got buyers remorse could sell it down the road and hopefully break even.

But After reading here about joining some newspaper sights I did a little digging to look into John Melito of Utica NY back during this time frame. I’ll have to keep digging but maybe this is the same fella Giovanni (John) Melito. I’m terrible at this research stuff but I’ll keep going.

Open to any suggestions where to look …

If it turns out to be this guys gun it will be really cool.

 

[murphydog]

Yikes! I guess this is "provenance" but wow.

 

[Flygas]

I think it’s pretty clear that “Melitt” is a typo and the correct last name is Melito. I’d ask for a corrected letter from Don. Also, the name of the recipient is Dr. Benjamin A. Di Iorio (born 1899, died 1989) not “Di Yorio”. And his address was 411 Bleecker Street (since torn down), not “Bleecher”. I’d have him correct both of those, as well. Both Melitos (Sr. and Jr.) and both Di Iorios (Sr. and Jr.) were avid trap and skeet shooters.

I did a bit of research and based on everything I saw, I think there’s a 99.9% probability it’s the same John Melito. I think the trap and skeet connection ties it together pretty well. There was no other John Melito living in Utica during that time, other than his son, John, Jr. and it certainly wasn’t for him— he was 4 years old. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to prove beyond any doubt but it is more than enough to make me a believer. Congratulations! Cool gun! Just one more in your amazing collection!

 

[Retired W4]

A RM for the Falcone regime mobster. Wow!

 

[raljr1]

Great pickup, Mike...that is really cool history.

Robert

 

[Muley Gil]

Nice RM.

Are the Magna stocks numbered to it? According to the letter, it is supposed to have service stocks with an attached grip adapter.

 

[quinn]

Verrrry interesting! Have you done any research on the doctor that it was ordered by/shipped to? That could narrow the possibilities.... Great find!

 

[Golphin]

Nice gun and what a great story to go with it.

 

[lestert357]

Any notches on the grips?

 

[mchom]

Thanks Muley
The stocks do not number. No grip adapter alongside. When I got it just the gun no box or other goodies
I find it Intersting gun was in database.

 

[mchom]

Thanks Randy
Member Flygas told me earlier today that the Doctors correct name is Dr. Benjamin A Di Iorio. Not DiYorio as stated in letter.

Evidently the this doctor Di Iorio had just purchased the gun store Cellini’s Sport shop and there was a matter of closing the account and opening a new account.

Good suggestion and I’ll dig for info on this person. Might be very interesting. I’ll post a few more documents I received. Also Flygas provided some good resources so I’ll report back soon.

 

[mchom]

Hey Terry No notches. But if by some miracle I come across original grips you never know

Any notches on the grips?

 

[mchom]

Here is a document I missed including

A note to Dr Di Iorio regarding account.
About 2 months prior to gun shipping

 

[Retired W4]

He must have paid off the old account. They shipped the gun.

We see so many RM's with LE connections but to find one with a connection to some one on the other side of the law is fascinating.

I wonder how many gangsters the good doctor patched up incognito.

 

[1blindref]

Incredible gun and provenance!

 

[robvious]

now that's why a letter & research is important... awesome history

 

[Art66]

Which newspaper published that arrest record? Regardless, I think you hit the jackpot when you bought that Registered Magnum!

 

[jmpishnery]

I don't know if this will help but I did find it.
John Dominick Melito Jr., born on April 24, 1934, in Utica, New York, was a respected member of the community. He graduated from T.R. Proctor High School and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After attending the Simmons School of Funeral Directing in Syracuse, he became a licensed funeral director, briefly working in New York City. Later, he served as the building manager for The Teamsters Health and Pension Fund in Syracuse for over thirty years. John married Judith Garcia on June 28, 1958, and they shared nearly 62 years together. He was an avid skeet shooter and enjoyed socializing with friends at Meola’s Garage. The couple also cherished their winters in Fort Lauderdale with family and friends. John passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2020, at the age of 86, with his loving wife by his side.

 

[Flygas]

This was his son.

I don't know if this will help but I did find it.
John Dominick Melito Jr., born on April 24, 1934, in Utica, New York, was a respected member of the community. He graduated from T.R. Proctor High School and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After attending the Simmons School of Funeral Directing in Syracuse, he became a licensed funeral director, briefly working in New York City. Later, he served as the building manager for The Teamsters Health and Pension Fund in Syracuse for over thirty years. John married Judith Garcia on June 28, 1958, and they shared nearly 62 years together. He was an avid skeet shooter and enjoyed socializing with friends at Meola’s Garage. The couple also cherished their winters in Fort Lauderdale with family and friends. John passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2020, at the age of 86, with his loving wife by his side.