Who was R.V. Ennis grip maker?

[lawandorder]

Would make more sense for an Ol Tejas Sheriff to tote a Fowty Fow. esp a Shooter like this feller was.

Always wanted a Thompson Hood ornament just never could afford one.

 

[MikeChandler]

Would make more sense for an Ol Tejas Sheriff to tote a Fowty Fow. esp a Shooter like this feller was.

Always wanted a Thompson Hood ornament just never could afford one.

A 44 special?

 

[lawandorder]

Yep a lot of those old lawmen from that era did favor the .44 Special.

Mike there is quite a bit of info on Ennis in the book, "The Texas Sheriff; Lord of the County Line" by Thad Sitton.

 

[MikeChandler]

Is there some chance that Ennis had a registered magnum? He made those grips before he was sheriff.

 

[lawandorder]

Sure Mike. As MG pointed out if they are Ns, could have been anything in the line up. Fellow like Ennis, I think it is a safe bet that he might have owned more than one gun. I am sure with a bit more digging you may find out about his tools.

 

[MikeChandler]

I've ordered some books to read up on this character. I think the chances of finding the original gun are long gone - but I'd like to find at least the same model/year to sport the grips on.

It still irks me though - I knew the moment I handled those grips that whoever made them was a serious shooter. I can understand how in most cases the original grips are more desirable - but there are clearly cases where you don't want to touch somebody's gun. You'd think anybody with enough interest in firearms to open a shop would be more careful.

Go figure.

 

[turnerriver]

Very interesting thread- I never thought I'd see William Burroughs
referenced on this site. Any connection between Lenny Bruce
& Smith & Wessons ?


Regards,

turnerriver

 

[-db-]

Very interesting thread- I never thought I'd see William Burroughs
referenced on this site. Any connection between Lenny Bruce
& Smith & Wessons ?


Regards,

turnerriver

Believe me, I'm no fan of Burroughs but he was a rather (in)famous character, as despicable as he was.

 

[texmex]

I met Vail Ennis when I was growing up. I remember he usually carried a Smith & Wesson 44 Special. If those grips are for an N frame, they would fit a 357 or a 44. They are a real collector item and I would not do anything to them other than put them in a case as you have mentioned. I also remember that he drove a Hudson Hornet and then I think an Oldsmobile after they made the last Hudsons in 1957.

 

[DWalt]

There were a lot of Texas sheriffs back in the day who got into the midst of the action. Most of the present-day Texas sheriffs, at least those in the more-populated counties, act more as politicians and administrators, and let the deputies do all the dirty work.

 

[MikeChandler]

Sorry to necro this old thread - any idea from anybody what these are worth? I am considering selling them, as they've only sat in my safe, and I could use the cash. I'm not a collector, even by a stretch. All my stuff is for shooting.

 

[Old TexMex]

Mike, I'd like to have a look at them if selling is on your mind, having a sentimental connection to Sheriff Ennis. Where you located?

 

[MikeChandler]

I am in the Phoenix, AZ, area this time of year. If you are a serious reputable collector, I wouldn't have a problem sending them to you for inspection.

I had some pipe dream of finding the gun here that they ripped these stocks from, but it's long gone. I'd much rather these go to a collector - especially somebody with other Ennis items.

 

[Old TexMex]

Mike, your mailbox is full, but I'm willing.
Jim

 

[MikeChandler]

Cleared mailbox.

I need to do whatever is required to expand my mailbox - I'll go read on it now...

 

[MikeChandler]

I am now a contributor, so there's room in my mailbox, if you'd like to try again. I also sent a PM.

 

[12yrscotch]

Sheriff Vail Ennis

He was know as the "Last Sheriff In Texas" in the book by the same name. Otherwise know as the Last High Sheriff in Texas.

 

[FNARemGlock]

Ennis Relative

Late to the discussion here unfortunately. Sheriff Vail Ennis is a great uncle of mine, so I'm glad I found this thread. Lucille "Oncie" Handly Ennis was the Bee County Sheriff's wife. My grandfather was William Handly and my mother was his daughter, Roberta Louise Handly Pierpont. Lucille and William Handly were siblings, so Lucille and Vail were Mom's aunt and uncle. I recall visits in the late 60's to Beeville where my Dad and Mom would take Mr Handly to Beeville, so he could visit his sister and brother-in-law. I would tag along, as well, so I had face to face contact with this ex-lawman who definitely had a "shoot first, ask questions later" rep. As I recall, he seemed like a pretty nice, warm, level-headed old fellow, but I was only 12,13 or 14 at the time…only have fond memories of the Sheriff.

 

[Muley Gil]

Late to the discussion here unfortunately. Sheriff Vail Ennis is a great uncle of mine, so I'm glad I found this thread. Lucille "Oncie" Handly Ennis was the Bee County Sheriff's wife. My grandfather was William Handly and my mother was his daughter, Roberta Louise Handly Pierpont. Lucille and William Handly were siblings, so Lucille and Vail were Mom's aunt and uncle. I recall visits in the late 60's to Beeville where my Dad and Mom would take Mr Handly to Beeville, so he could visit his sister and brother-in-law. I would tag along, as well, so I had face to face contact with this ex-lawman who definitely had a "shoot first, ask questions later" rep. As I recall, he seemed like a pretty nice, warm, level-headed old fellow, but I was only 12,13 or 14 at the time…only have fond memories of the Sheriff.

Welcome to the Forum.

Are you able to contact other family members who may remember what happened to the sheriff's firearms?

 

[newtonguitars]

I spent 2 years of my Navy time in Beeville at the Air Station there. I enjoyed the town and its old west feel. Great to hear about some history.