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LOT 3660
Walter
C. Sweeney Presentation
“Persona Non Grata Club”
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith
& Wesson 44 Magnum (Pre-Model 29)
Double Action Revolver with Case -
Serial no. S187064, 44 Magnum cal., 8 3/8
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1958-1959. Fitted with red blade
front sight and adjustable rear sights, and standard markings. Import marked on the yoke above the serial number. The sideplate is marked with the Persona Non Grata Club logo with gold inlaid narwhal over “”Cam” Sweeney/Persona Grata” and “PNG 4” on the side of the
frame. Includes a hardwood presentation case with a plaque on
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the lid reading “WALTER C. SWEENEY/MAJOR GENERAL USAF/”PERSONA NON GRATA”/C. R. HELLSTROM”. The Persona Non Grata Club was a group of three civilians and two military members who were involved in an attempt at the creation of the Nordic Free Trade Zone. The American and European delegates did not get along, leading to the Americans referring to themselves as “persona non grata”. Before their departure Major General Walter C. Sweeney (the recipient of this revolver) was gifted a narwhal tusk, and thus the animal became the group’s mascot. Each member of the group was given a Pre-Model 29 and Model 53 Smith & Wesson Revolver with the same special inscription as this revolver, but with the recipient’s name. The Model 53 from this set is available in the following lot. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue finish with minimal handling marks, a faint cylinder drag line, a crisp inscription, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good with a hairline crack in the lid and a few larger dings.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3661
Walter C. Sweeney Presentation
“Persona Non Grata Club”
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith
& Wesson Model 53 Double Action
Revolver with Case and Extra Cylinder -
Serial no. K442411, 22 magnum cal., 8 3/8
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, goncalo alves grips.
Manufactured in 1961. Fitted with red blade front sight and adjustable rear sights, and standard markings. Import marked on the inside of the topstrap. The sideplate is marked with the Persona Non Grata
Club logo with gold inlaid narwhal over “”Cam” Sweeney/Persona
Grata” and “PNG 4” on the side of the frame. Includes a hardwood
presentation case with a plaque on the lid reading “WALTER C. SWEENEY/
MAJOR GENERAL USAF/”PERSONA NON GRATA”/C. R. HELLSTROM” containing six cartridge adapters and an extra cylinder numbered to the gun. The Persona Non Grata Club was a group of three civilians and two military members who were involved in an attempt at the creation of the Nordic Free Trade Zone. The American and European delegates did not get along, leading to the Americans referring to themselves as “persona non grata”. Before their departure Major General Walter C. Sweeney (the recipient of this revolver) was gifted a narwhal tusk, and thus the animal became the group’s mascot. Each member of the group was given a Pre-Model 29 and Model 53 Smith & Wesson Revolver with the same special inscription as this revolver, but with the recipient’s name. The Pre-Model 29 from this set is available in the previous lot.
CONDITION: Excellent overall as presented to Walter C. Sweeney, retaining 99% plus original blue finish, minimal handling marks, a faint cylinder drag line, and a crisp inscription. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000