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LOT 1596
Exceptional Factory Engraved Two Digit Serial Number “54” Smith & Wesson Straight Line Target
Single Shot Pistol with Factory Metal Case - Serial no. 54, 22 LR cal., 10 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Offered here is a scarce factory engraved S&W Straight Line Target Pistol with two digit serial number, 54.
These pistols were manufactured from 1925 to 1936 with only 1,870 manufactured. Factory engraved examples are extremely limited. Factory records for this example indicate it was shipped on August 22, 1925 to B. Girardin (no address available) and no other information is provided in the records (no mention of the engraving for reasons unknown). No doubt a factory recording error, as this is certainly factory engraved. The engraving covers 70% of the surface and consists of floral scrollwork on punch dot backgrounds. The pistol has a Patridge blade front and adjustable square notch rear sight, one-line S&W legend on the barrel rib, “SMITH & WESSON” on the left side of the barrel, caliber marking on the right side of the barrel, and S&W medallion grips. Includes a period correct blued steel S&W case containing a two-piece cleaning rod and screwdriver.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% plus original blue finish with limited handling marks and crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with a few handling marks. The case is very fine with most of the original blue, some scattered surface oxidation on the exterior and some typical high spot wear on the lining. Mechanically excellent. An extremely scarce example of an early production factory engraved two digit serialized S&W Straight Line Target Pistol that is a must have for the serious S&W or firearms art collector.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,000
LOT 1597
Exceptional Russell J. Smith Signed Factory Master Engraved Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum (Pre-Model 29) Double Action Revolver with Factory Case - Serial no. S153877, 44 Magnum cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1956/57. This S&W .44 Magnum has a wonderful factory class “A” engraving consisting of deep cut floral scroll patterns on matted background. The factory records indicated it was shipped to E.K. Tryon Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and confirms the S&W class “A” engraving. Both sides of the grip frame are signed “RJS” for Master Engraver Russell J. Smith, who engraved for S&W for many years. Fitted with a serrated blade front sight with red insert and ramp, elevation adjustable white outlined square notch rear sight, and silver S&W medallion target grips. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. Includes a period correct S&W .44 Magnum case containing screwdriver and bore cleaning rod with two attachments. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue finish showing limited handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent. A stellar Russell J. Smith singed factory engraved S&W .44 Magnum revolver. This is a very rare engraved 5-screw .44 Magnum of which only a small number were produced.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000 473