Back in '79, I was a young Patrolman, and single. So I only cashed every other paycheck. My bank account was nice and fat.
I had a 75 year old friend of many years who was a collector of pre-war S&W's. He had a registered .357, 3.5" barrel in beautiful shape. One afternoon I called him and asked what he would take for that old magnum. He thought awhile, and I could hear his brain clicking away to come up with a really high price tag. Finally he came up with a number, $600.
I didn't hesitate, "Fine, I'll take it." we made plans to meet that Saturday.
That Friday, he diecided to paint the ceiling of his living room. He was wroking away from the top of a ladder, when his wife heard a crash. He had had a massive heart attack and died - probably before he hit the floor.
Lost a good friend - and a beautiful magnum, I guess it wasn't meant to be, still I miss both of them.