Thoughts On Gold(?) Plated 4th Model? - Jinks Letter Update

[murphydog]

Cool gun and very blingy .

The SWHF Historian often has to work off old handwritten records, so typos, bad handwriting and other issues often arise. I'd also guess the guy who wrote the entry isn't around to ask any more...

Enjoy!

 

[mmaher94087]

TomJohn, ask Roy or Don to double check the records as the 'D' and the 'E' are easy to transpose when "touch typing". I, personally use the HPE method: Hunt, Peck and Erase.

 

[TomJohn]

Will do, Mike. Thanks.

 

[TomJohn]

New Update

For those who have followed this thread: I sent Roy Jinks a follow-up letter asking if there could have been a typo or transposition error. I explained that there was no Corele Hardware of any record that I could find, but there was a nearby town named Cordele. I got back a personal apology that he had indeed made a mistake and it was Cordele. he also sent me a revised "Letter". There was a Cordele Hardware at the turn of the 20th century, and the town is only about 20 miles from where I purchased the gun. It's been an interesting saga. Now I'm going to try and find out if it was a special order for someone in particular.

 

[H Richard]

It would almost certainly be a special order, but tracking down who will be your challenge. Good hunting.

 

[model3sw]

Update: Well, I sent off for a "Letter" and got this reply, along with other info:

My revolver "was shipped from our factory on August 9, 1901 and delivered Corele Hardware Co., no address was listed. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with 3 inch barrel, gold finish, and pearl grips". (Underlining mine)

So thanks to those of you who encouraged a letter - it verified that the finish came from the factory! I have done a brief search for Corele (not Corelle) Hardware Co., with no luck. If this name rings a bell for any of you I would appreciate hearing about it.

I just happened on to this post today. It would surely be a learning experience for us all. The hard core antique, C&R collectors here (I know I speak for myself and other serious collectors) would appreciate it.

Could you post a scan of the letter for us to admire. I've never seen a S&W letter stating "gold finish" so would like to admire it.

Also, try to take some quality, sharply focused and illuminated, digital photos to share with us.

It is odd that the gold finish is on an otherwise plain Jane revolver but with the factory pearls it was likely a special order. It would be nice to know who the original purchaser was e.g. who the Hardware store ordered it for or sold it to.

Hopefully it still has "the" original factory gold finish and not a re-re-finish.

 

[TomJohn]

Copy of Jinks Letter

OK, I made a copy of the letter and downloaded it. I marked out my street address and the last two digits of the serial number. Now I'm going to try and post it here: