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LOT 3695
Documented Smith & Wesson First Model “Triple Lock” .44 Hand Ejector Double Action Revolver, Duty Weapon of Goliad County, Texas Deputy Sheriff J.W. Lewis with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter, Badge, and Additional Documentation - Serial no. 1511, 44 S&W special cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1911, this desirable Smith & Wesson “Triple Lock” is documented as being the duty sidearm of the early 20th century Texas lawman, J.W. Lewis. An included notarized letter dated 1983 and signed by James Lewis and Pamela Lewis lists
this revolver by serial number and states that it was carried by his grandfather Joseph Warren Lewis during his time as a deputy sheriff of Goliad County, Texas, from 1929 until after World War II. Also included in the lot is a copy of Lewis’ deputation certificate which is dated 2 January 1929. Lewis would have been a deputy through the crime-rife era of prohibition as well as the desperate times of the Great Depression. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard three-line address and patent dates while the caliber marking is on the left. The Smith & Wesson trademark is on the right of the frame. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of period replacement smooth pearl grips. The included factory letter confirms the 5 inch barrel and blue finish, as well as shipment to Stauffer-Eshleman & Co. in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 23 November 1911. Also included is a gold Texas deputy sheriff badge attached to a paper tag attributing it as belonging to deputy J.W. Lewis. CONDITION: Very good, retains strong traces of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a mixture of plum brown and grey patinas, and a few scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are also fine with a few hairline age cracks
and a few light chips on the corners. Mechanically excellent. A documented Texas law enforcement revolver
that certainly has “the look”!
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
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