Who has seen a "Mexican" model??

[Memphis]

I was just perusing "History of Smith and Wesson" by Mr Jinks and once again saw the entry for the Mexican model. It was one of the first post war pieces produced by S&W (from Nov 27 1945 thru Dec 31 1946) with serial numbers dispursed between S812000 and S817000. It was a K frame target .38 but had the micro click rear sight like used on the k22/40. I have never ever heard of one mentioned on this board and was just wondering...do any of you have one? Seen one? The book also said it may be refered to as the .38 M&P Target Model of 1946.
Now wouldn't that be nice to stumble upon at a gun show. How many of us would even know what it was? In addition to the micro click rear sight it had a very tall and different shaped front sight.
Oh well, just thought I'd ask.

Thanks, Roger

 

[Goony]

I have never seen one, but I would comment that I have documented Victory models well up into the SV812XXX range, so given the "Mexican" model serial number range you cite, I wonder if there is some numerical overlap.

 

[bmg60]

hi.
the reason that we don't see them as just about all of them were shipped to mexico 3000. Rex Applegate was the person that got them shipped to mexico to be sold down there. he was Smith & Wessons dist. in mexico.
I have seen only one in all my years of collecting and it was not for sale.
jim

 

[Model39]

I've Seen a Mexican Model

While in Florida (Palm Beach area) on a winter retreat (to get out of the cold New York winter) I met a fellow S&WCA member, who was friends with another gun collector I was visiting with, who had mentioned to the Mexican model owner that I too collected Smith's, and was invited along with my friend to his home. This gentleman (no names given to protect privacy) has a fantastic/incredible collection of Smith&Wessons. To test my knowledge of Smiths he pulled out various Smiths, and when he pulled out the Mexican model he asked,"Do you know what this is?" I said without hesitation,"That's a Mexican model". I had never seen one before, but knew right away from the front sight (looks like a sail from a sailboat) and the pre-war rear sight configuration, that it was indeed a Mexican model. He told me he had come across it/found it at a gun show in Florida years back, and paid a good price for it (over a grand), but said he had been offered $15,000 for it, and of course would not sell it. From what I was told by him, there were/are very few in this country. One thing for sure, you will definately know one when you see/find one. There are definately unique. That was 12 years ago, and I have been to some of the biggest gun shows in the country, and have never seen another one. Finding one would be a great find. All I can say is good luck, and I hope you find that needle in a haystack.

 

[peyton]

Does someone have a picture of this to post?? Maybe I can get the Kyber Pass gun shop to make me one!!

 

[cgt4570]

One sold on Cabela's gun library about 3 years ago. I called them the first day it was listed but of course I was too late. :-( They had no idea what it was. They had it listed as a Model 14. They sold it for $800! Condition was as-new. It was correct with all the unique features. Contoured rear micro-click sight, ribless barrel, unique front sight, etc. At first glance, they resemble a K22-40.

 

[Memphis]

Wow Jim, is that the same Rex Applegate that I see still involved with our group and the same one helping organize the SWCA shows? I may be confusing the two. Thanks, Roger

 

[linde]

Wow Jim, is that the same Rex Applegate that I see still involved with our group and the same one helping organize the SWCA shows? I may be confusing the two. Thanks, Roger

Roger,

Perhaps you're thinking of Rex Halfpenny who does such a professional job of planning & organizing our annual shows.

Russ

 

[Memphis]

Thanks Russ, you're exactly right. That's what happens when you turn 55. I knew the math didn't add up and our Rex wouldn't be nearly old enough to be making gun deal with governments back in the 40's.

Thanks, Roger

 

[BUFF]

"Does someone have a picture of this to post??"

The book mentioned by MEMPHIS/Roger, "HISTORY OF SMITH & WESSON" by Roy Jinks, has an excellent photo of one in the K frame chapter. I know you probably don't have a copy over there. Perhaps someone here can scan it and send you a copy via e-mail.

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks Russ, you're exactly right. That's what happens when you turn 55. I knew the math didn't add up and our Rex wouldn't be nearly old enough to be making gun deal with governments back in the 40's.

Thanks, Roger

Col. Rex Applegate died some years ago. I had the pleasure to meet him and dine with him at Ruger's 30th Anniversary luncheon in 1979.

He trained OSS agents in WW II and later trained some Mexican and other Latin American armies and police forces.
I mentioned that I had my father's copy of his book, "Kill or Get Killed", printed in 1944. He laughed and said, "Well, I was certainly thinner in the photos for that edition!"

He developed the Applegate-Fairbairn fighting knife, in both a sheath model and folders, made now by Gerber. I think Boker currently makes the fixed blade version.

 

[peyton]

Heck, we got books, my wife sends the SWCA journal. I don't think she ever opened one yet!! Since I am a FAT @SSed Contractor being deployed all I could carry was a knife. My wife bought and sent me an Boker Applegate-Fairbairn fighting knife, what a knife, and yes I cut the hell out of myself once or twice (forgot both sides of knife were sharp).

 

[bmg60]

hi
Here is a write up on Col. Rex Applegate that was written when he passed away in 1998.
jim

 

[haggis]

R. M. Vivas has some good pictures on his website.

RM Vivas & Son, LLC - Gallery Of Customer Guns - S&W Model of 1946 Mexican Target Model

Buck

 

[Memphis]

Buck, thank you so much for posting that pictoral. Those are the first pictures I've ever seen (other than the one in the Jinks book). That is one awesome revolver. I noticed that the rear sight seems to be even different from the k22/40 ones in that it doesn't have the "patent" info stamped into it. I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to this model. I guess it's just the fact that it is so rare and seldom ever mentioned. I'd love to have one of those rascals in my collection one day.

Roger

 

[rct269]

I passed right by this thread the first time around, because I absolutely, positively knew one of the (maybe) 200 folks who attended the SWCA meeting last month would respond-------and rave on forever about the one they just saw. Right??!!

Okay, so they didn't. I have no idea why. I spotted it from clear across the room----a big room, when the display was being set up. It was one of five or six items in David Carroll's display-----aptly entitled "The Ones You Never See". I don't remember any of the others you never see because my mind had gone numb! There, right before my eyes, was a gun I had never seen before-----and had been lusting after for years-----------------and it was brand new in THE box!!

My lust cooled significantly when he told me what he had paid for it. It stands to reason, should he ever decide to sell it, that he would add to the purchase price to enable the profit he's in business to make-----and then I'd have to (try to) explain to the Boss Lady why I had brought home another gun---------instead of a new car. The Boss lady has been entirely supportive of the sizeable sums I've spent over the years, but I'm pretty sure this one would bring that streak to a screeching halt!

I've seen a picture of another one, kindly sent to me by the Grotes not too long ago. It too (at least) appeared to be brand new in THE box.

So there's two of them to dream about. Should you decide to go beyond the dreaming stage, let me suggest this will be serious business-----bring money.

Ralph Tremaine