Was hoping for a really 'Special One'

[Inland7-45]

This is a nice revolver even if the configuration doesn't match the letter. I dont't have a K-22 from this era , but I do have a 38/44 HD that was made in 1932. Since I shoot mostly DA I would miss not having this capability especially in nice slick old long action. Otherwise the gun is just fine as is.

 

[mikepriwer]

I find that, in lots of instances, where a gun was shipped to may not be relevant to its importance. This is particularly true for guns shipped to distributors or retail outlets. In these cases, the first purchaser is not known, but sometimes subsequent information will connect the gun to a well-known person, or incident.

For example, McGivern's multi-record-setting revolver was shipped to Anaconda Copper Co in Montana. I had assumed that he had purchased it from the company store. It turns out he was was given the gun by a Sheriff's Deputy, and he had agreed to either return it, or replace it with a new one, when he was done using it. After using the gun for 15 or so years, Doug Wesson wanted to buy it, and part of the purchase price was another revolver that would go to that Deputy Sheriff.

Another example is a 1902 1st change 5" 38 target revolver that I recently acquired. It was shipped to a distributor in 1903 or 1904. In March of 1926, it was returned to the factory - probably for refinishing. The factory issued a receipt to the owner, noting that the gun had been received. (This document turned up in a Historical Foundation search by serial number.) The owners name is Ruben V Vaughan, living on Catalina Island, which is a part of Los Angeles, but 20 miles off-shore.

The grip frame has another date for a return back to the factory, in 1946, but no records for that return have turned up.

Ruben is a very colorful character. He was the self-appointed Ambassador of Catalina, officially greeting each and every tour boat every day. He assumed the title of Capt Doc Vaughan, in part because he studied pharmaceutical chemistry during is college days.

He published two books, one called Doc's Catalina Diary, and the other his autobiography called The Print of My Rememberance. The next two images are the forward to the book. They offer an insight into this very unusual person.

Here are two pictures of the gun, after my cleanup effort. It's not going to win any beauty awards, except for the grips that are numbered to the gun, but then again 40 years on Catalina Island might have taken it's toll on the finish.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Heinz]

I like the pistol the way it is. Clearly something that belonged to a serious shooter, that is exemplified by the Patridge style front sight, favored by most match shooters in the mid 20th century.

I would not be surprised if the trigger had been tuned up when it was converted to SAO. Shooting a revolver double action in a classic slow, timed, and rapid fire pistol match was not popular at that time.

 

[Model46]

I will cast my vote for leaving the gun as it is. The modifications are part of its history and should remain as they are. I'm a purist collector, but can appreciate what was done to this gun. Someone certainly liked it. Who they were is now likely lost.
Just my opinion.

 

[DGNY]

I also would leave that interesting revolver as it is. It, with the other having the call bead, etc., would make a great triumvirate should you seek and find (or already on) an unmolested pristine and unmodified revolver with suitably relevant/close serial number.

In a sense that trio would be a collector's Gradus ad Parnassum of stock to slightly modified to magnificently modified.

 

[tajada]

Such as exquisite piece, they are very hard to come by. Only saw one on GB and the price was over the top. My ffl is currently tracking down one for me but he said it's a long shot.