The First Combat Magnum

[Doc44]

This is the first Combat Magnum. K260003 was completed on November 15, 1955. It was kept in the factory collection and in 1961/62 was sent to Alvin White for engraving and inlay with gold and silver. The revolver was to be presented to President John F. Kennedy and has the initials, JFK, engraved on a gold shield on the bottom of the trigger guard. Mr. White also made the ivory stocks and carved the American eagle on the right panel. The escutcheon, stock screw, and S&W monograms appear to be made of gold.

The fine detail in the Great Seal of the United States on the side plate and the anchor on the left side of the frame are not visible in the photographs and require a 10x magnification to really appreciate the work of Mr. White. The carved stocks are truly one of a kind and are magnificent.

Bill

 

[Art Doc]

Love the stocks... not so much the engraving.

Was it ever presented to JFK?

 

[moosedog]

Wow is all I can say.
That is a fine piece of history Doc. It is also my new screen back ground.
Thanks for showing us your collection.

 

[Rugskipper]

Whoa.

Doc, your ability to stun and amaze me has achieved a new level.

I'm also very thankful that brother Ted didn't inherit this one.

 

[JP@AK]

Marvelous!
Thank you very much for sharing this.
Unique. Stunning. Historical.
JP

 

[semperfi71]

Magnificent. Thanks for posting. I too would like to know if it ever was presented to JFK.

 

[badguybuster]

WOW! Just plain WOW!!!!

 

[steveno]

if a president that is in office at the time of being presented with a gift , isn't it considered a gift to the people of the United States and not to the president as a person? just curious about the history in aquiring the revolver.

 

[gripper]

Bill, That is a great piece to have in a collection. Good for you.

Chad Gripp

 

[old bear]

The revolver was to be presented to President John F. Kennedy

This indicates it was never presented to JFK.

Ps. great looking M-19, a true piece of history.

 

[Rad29]

Great gun Bill! Another fine example of Mr. White's outstanding work! Love the grips as well. I sense a Combat Magnum display coming soon!

Bob

 

[Doc44]

The Combat Magnum was never presented to JFK. If it was, the revolver would most likely be in the JFK library near Boston. The revolver has been in the collection of two collectors and the factory since 1955.

Bill

 

[4-Screw]

Bill...did you letter it?

Just kidding

Just an amazing piece of history and thank you for sharing it with everyone here.

 

[handejector]

White and the Youngs.
It don't get no better.
Fabulous gun, Bill.
Would you show the initials, please?

 

[s&wchad]

Spectacular gun is an understatement.
So what happened… Jackie wouldn’t let him bring it into the house??

 

[KSK]

Incredible revolver. Congratulations of the highest order. At my visit to the National Firearms museum last month I saw a Colt .45, also engraved for but never presented to J.F.K. This is part of the Peterson collection. I am uncertain of the engraver of the Colt. Click link to view: The National Firearms Museum: President John F. Kennedy New Frontier Colt

-KSK-

 

[Dragon88]

I don't know what to say about this one. Spectacular, amazing...those words just don't cut it. Truly a museum-quality piece, and a piece of American history.

 

[dpsix]

Just WOW!!!

 

[Kavinsky]

combat magnum? so this was one of the first model 19's made?
then wouldnt it make more sense if this was presented to Bill Jordan instead?

 

[VaRecon]

That's an astounding gun, it's rare to see that level of craftsmanship on top of the history behind it.
Thanks for sharing.