I got a very interesting piece this week. It is a S&W Model 19-4 U.S. Customs Patrol Commemorative revolver. They were commissioned in 1978 to commemorate the 100 years of the U.S. Customs Patrol. I did not join the U.S. Customs Patrol until 1980, so missed getting one. Then in 1986, I ran across a guy that had three of them, so I got one then.
Fast forward to approximately six months ago. I was in the Smith-Wesson Forum, and we were discussing the S&W CS-1 U.S. Customs issued revolver. One of the members sent me a IM about a revolver he had. It was a Customs Patrol Commemorative like I have, except for one interesting fact. This particular Model 19 had been the personal property of Former Commissioner of U.S, Customs, William Von Raab. Mr. Von Raab was Commissioner from 1980-1988 under President Reagan. He just so happened to be Commissioner during my first 8 years with U.S. Customs. Mr. Von Raab was a very well liked Commissioner by the members of U.S. Customs Service. Unfortunately he passed in 2019. The member showed me notarized letters from his wife and the Estate sale company that this revolver was Mr. Von Raab's prior to his death. I told the member if he ever wanted to sell it, PLEASE let me know.
Well, two weeks ago the member contacted me again, and we made a deal for the revolver. I am now the proud owner of this piece of history.
Fast forward to approximately six months ago. I was in the Smith-Wesson Forum, and we were discussing the S&W CS-1 U.S. Customs issued revolver. One of the members sent me a IM about a revolver he had. It was a Customs Patrol Commemorative like I have, except for one interesting fact. This particular Model 19 had been the personal property of Former Commissioner of U.S, Customs, William Von Raab. Mr. Von Raab was Commissioner from 1980-1988 under President Reagan. He just so happened to be Commissioner during my first 8 years with U.S. Customs. Mr. Von Raab was a very well liked Commissioner by the members of U.S. Customs Service. Unfortunately he passed in 2019. The member showed me notarized letters from his wife and the Estate sale company that this revolver was Mr. Von Raab's prior to his death. I told the member if he ever wanted to sell it, PLEASE let me know.
Well, two weeks ago the member contacted me again, and we made a deal for the revolver. I am now the proud owner of this piece of history.