Ultimate Commemorative Thread - How Many Do We Have?

[RKmesa]

For years, I have always wanted to see how many different Commemorative Models we collectively as a Forum could put in one thread. So I thought I would start the Ultimate Commemorative Thread and seed it with some of the Commemoratives from my collection. PLEASE ADD INFORMATION AND PHOTOS OF YOUR COMMEMORATIVES.


TEXAS RANGER COMMEMORATIVE (1973):

In 1973, Smith and Wesson issued their first commemorative revolver, the Texas Ranger Commemorative. It was a 4" barreled 19-3 that had a special roll mark, a specific range of serial numbers starting with "TR", a matching commemorative Bowie knife, smooth backstrap, "slimmed" trigger guard, smooth target trigger, and a set of smooth presentation grips, cut away on the sideplate side to show the Texas Ranger logo, all packaged in a beautiful presentation case with the Texas Ranger logo "impressed" on the top. There were 50 "Custom Deluxe, Engraved Texas Ranger Commemoratives" that were individually hand engraved with each of them having a distinct and different pattern. The basic commemorative package retailed for $250, and the Deluxe version at $1,000.

Here is TR 39, a basic package that shipped in May 1973:





TR40 - was a Deluxe Version that also shipped in May 1973. Note: Deluxe versions were numbered on the 10s (e.g. TR10, TR20, TR30, TR40, etc...):









Here is the ad and a dealer tear sheet:









Now, let's see yours... please.

 

[RKmesa]

California Highway Patrol Commemorative

This was a 50-year commemorative issued in 1979. It is a 19-4, with a 6" barrel, smooth target trigger, serrated back strap, and the most ornate presentation case of any of the commemoratives that I have seen. It did not have a custom SN range and I don't have any ads or ship dates (it also probably came with a belt buckle).

Here is SN 40K2124 (I do not have a ship date):

 

[xray97]

125th Anniversay and 125th Anniversary Class A engraved (not deluxe edition)

 

[xray97]

150th Anniversary

 

[xray97]

50th Anniversary of .357 Magnum

 

[sigp220.45]

My one and only commemorative revolver:

And yep, I shoot it.

I also have the FBI Commemorative Glock 22, but it isn't particularly photogenic.

 

[boykinlp]

Richard, what a great idea for a drool worthy thread. Whenever you post your Texas Ranger Revolvers, I drool uncontrollably! In fact, it caused me to look for one of my own. Since you own ALL of the Deluxe Engraved models, I had to settle for a standard set. Unfortunately, my set did not come with the sheath for the Bowie knife. So, if any of you folks know where I can get a correct sheath, please let me know.

Also, if I remember correctly, wasn't there more than one engraver used in this series? The thing that I really like about this Commemorative gun is that like you said, each engraved gun was unique. I hope someone will show us some more of these fantastic engraved models.
Larry

 

[boykinlp]

I forgot to say that I added one of these to my presentation case:
Larry

 

[RKmesa]

Arizona Highway Patrol

The Arizona Highway Patrol Commemorative is a 50 year commemorative issued in 1981. It is a model 66-1, with a custom roll mark on the side plate, smooth target grips, a commemorative belt buckle, and a custom roll mark on the barrel. It does not have a custom serial number. My example is stamped "AHP-383" on the left side under the cylinder.

SN 55K5923:

 

[RKmesa]

Chicago Police Department

The Chicago Police Department Model 66-1 is a 1980 125-year Commemorative. Consistent with a lot of the commemoratives, it has custom roll marks on the side plate (police "badge") and the right side of the barrel ("Chicago Police Department 125 Years of Service"). It came in a wood presentation case with a brass plate and the "badge" stamped on the top. It has a "standard" trigger and hammer, and does not have a unique SN prefix or range.

This one is SN 72K1418 and it also has "CPD 1119" stamped on the left side of the frame under the cylinder.

 

[hittman77]

Missouri State Highway Patrol 1931 - 1981

66-1

60

 

[Model19man]

I have the 125th Anniversary edition but am missing the coin so if anyone has an extra I am interested. I would like to add the Texas Rangers pistol (44-40 WCF Caliber) and the Dallas Police Department model 66-2 some time in the future.

 

[WCCPHD]

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Commemorative

NC State Highway Patrol's 50th Anniversary Commemorative.

First Model 29 Commemorative. First/only commemorative using acid etching for the badge and script. I'm told there were 1189 of the Model 29-2's produced in 1979. The earlier numbered guns were in 6.5 inch and when all the barrels were exhausted the rest were in six inch.

 

[JOliver]

Tennessee Highway Patrol, 1979 being the 50th Anniversary MODEL 19
Second picture which is a very old digital picture and is terrible is the Model 25 in .45 long colt for 1989 the 60th anniversary

 

[WCCPHD]

Virginia State Police Auxillary Commemorative

Model 60

 

[fkd713]

Great guns so far. Keep em coming.
Had the opportunity a few years back to buy a TN Highway Patrol model 19 commemorative but encouraged my friend to keep it as it was his grandfather’s who was a THP. Kinda wish I had it to show here with these great examples.

 

[StrawHat]

I have the 125th Anniversary edition but am missing the coin so if anyone has an extra I am interested. I would like to add the Texas Rangers pistol (44-40 WCF Caliber) and the Dallas Police Department model 66-2 some time in the future.

The Texas Ranger Commemorative was chambered for the 357. I believe the 44 WCF you are looking for is the Wagon Train Commemorative.

Kevin

 

[CHARLIE699]

I can toss a couple into mix, though they pale in comparison to some of the beautifully engraved examples.

A S&W 10-6, 40th Anniversary OSHP,

A S&W 36-6, 60th Anniversary OSHP

The 60th Anniversary Model 36 is one of VERY FEW delivered. The company "Old Dominion Engravers" contracted for engraved S&W Model 4006's and Beretta Model 96D's ( which was the current issue auto) and the Model 36's. They received orders, paid in advance from Active & Retired personnel. To the best of my knowledge, the company never delivered the 4006's or Berettas. The U.S. District AG and Virginia AG subsequently prosecuted the company execs for fraud. The company declared bankruptcy and those that paid for the firearms were out-the-money. Nobody in OSHP seems to know what happened to the completed 4006 & Beretta examples that were displayed in each District prior to orders being taken,,,,
Below is the artwork from the sales brochure.

If anyone has "eyes" on one of the 4006's,,, let's see a pic PLEASE

 

[Pizza Bob]

While I have some of the commemoratives already listed, I haven't seen the following.

Elmer Keith Commemorative 29-3 Deluxe (1 of 100)

The above is 79 of 100. I just missed winning 78 or 80 (can't remember which) at auction. Just didn't want to spend the type of coin it took to win it, but thought to have two consecutive deluxe versions would have been pretty cool.

And the 1988 Iditarod Commemorative 629-1 (2 consecutive of 545 produced)

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Miami_JBT]

I have two, the Texas Wagon Train Model 545 and the 125th Anniversary Model 25.

Not sure if my Model 745 counts but it is a IPSC commemorative.