Registered Magnum? (Finally Restored!)

[bwade]

I read this thread seeing the large time passage during which Dave Chicoine's business shut down and you switched to Hamilton Bowen for your restoration. I have been hoping to find a restorer to continue the quality work Dave Chicoine has done on a few of my S&Ws and others. Hamilton Bowen could be the one. Could you give contact information for him?

Thanks!

This is his website: + Bowen Classic Arms + Home

He is very careful about choosing new work, if you can talk with him in person it would be worth your while. He is in Louisville TN, which is maybe 25 miles from Knoxville. Remember, I had to talk to him in person with gun in hand and this was before Dave's business shut down. Let us know if you have luck with Hamiliton and his current timeline.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Hamilton Bowen did some subtle wonders with the Side Plate fit there too.

The seam had slightly 'dubbed' edges in the 'before' images, and now it fits crisply.

That is some tedious and fine labor there..!

Came out mighty nice!!

 

[gkitch]

Thank you for taking such good care of this historic wheelgun. Thank you too for sharing with us.

 

[Mickey D]

Very nice restoration. I'd be proud to own that RM.
Enjoy!

 

[tftech1]

Thanks for BCA Contact Info

This is his website: + Bowen Classic Arms + Home

He is very careful about choosing new work, if you can talk with him in person it would be worth your while. He is in Louisville TN, which is maybe 25 miles from Knoxville. Remember, I had to talk to him in person with gun in hand and this was before Dave's business shut down. Let us know if you have luck with Hamiliton and his current timeline.

I appreciate your giving me this information.

 

[crsides]

Don't worry over the purple cast on the cylinder. It occurs from time to time, even on original finished guns. It is accepted in the collecting community - not something sought out - but accepted none the less.

Great gun and nice restoration.

Charlie

 

[Green Frog]

I too missed this thread the first time around. Although Registered Magnums (Magni??) are out of my circle of collecting interest, there is no denying their historical and intrinsic value. It is too easy for some folks to fall into one of two traps, either ignoring old, mistreated guns altogether or simply refinishing them, without regard to their original appearance, etc.

In your case, you have commissioned (and Hamilton Bowen has delivered) a true restoration of a significant firearm. This is not a procedure for the impatient or the dilettante, but for the true lover of fine craftsmanship. I salute you for taking the time and going to the expense of having a world-class restoration done on a worthy gun. Congratulations.

Green Frog

 

[handejector]

Ok, I thought I found a sheard front sight for it. It was an old stock Marbles sight #32. That sight is for a Smith Target 22, I need a Marbles #35.


Blaine

Am I your huckleberry?

Looks to be 3/16 of an inch high.

 

[tftech1]

A happy ending, I'd say! That rare barrel length (4-1/2 inches) made the whole project worthwhile.

 

[Troystat]

Turned out great, thanks for showing us the end results.

 

[bwade]

At first glance you sure look like my huckleberry, will check height tomorrow...

Am I your huckleberry?

Looks to be 3/16 of an inch high.

 

[bwade]

The white dot that is on it is 1/4" height, looks a tad proud. Your sheard is most likely correct for it. Your terms handejector?

 

[Stirling]

An incredible project with an outstanding outcome. Well done.

 

[blazermark]

so... in the 4 years since orig post, the 1940 census has been made available, and I see:

1940 US Census
Name: Cecil Gardner
Age: 44
Estimated birth year: abt 1896
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Elkhorn, Walworth, Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935: Elkhorn, Walworth, Wisconsin
Occupation: Dep Sheriff

Household Members:
Name Age
Cecil Gardner 44
Ella Gardner 42
Wayne Gardner 19
Shirley Jean Gardner 13
Herman Gardner 70

following thru, he appears to have passed in 1953..
he also shows in 1930 census as a policeman living in Genoa City, Wisconsin

 

[bwade]

Thanks for the update Blazermark, I wonder if any of Cecil Gardner's descendants are Smith enthusiasts that will ever see this forum?

bwade

 

[blazermark]

More on Cecil

 

[bettis1]

December 1941 must have been a sad time in the Gardner home. His son died on Christmas eve, and only slightly over two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Congratulations on the restoration.

Bob

 

[policerevolvercollector]

Awesome!! It is really great when you can identify the original owner and it has police history also. This one is the complete package!!!