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LOT 1528
Attractive Russ Smith Engraved Pre-World War II Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman Double Action Revolver with Carved Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 49023, 38 S&W special cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1931 to 1941, this is a handsome example of a S&W .38/44 Outdoorsman (Pre-War) revolver embellished by S&W Master engraver Russ Smith after World War II for Charles “Trigger” McGowan, a S&W service department employee who worked over 50 years for the company. The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver left the factory on January 29, 1937, and was delivered to F.L.C. McGowan Co. of Easthampton, MA, (Charles McGowan’s sideline business) with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut grips. The letter confirms that the engraving, checkered walnut grips and other extras were added when Russ Smith engraved the revolver. The engraving covers 70% of the surfaces and consists of floral scrollwork, geometric line patterns and animal scenes. The right side plate has an engraved scene depicting a bear in a tree, and the left side of the frame under the cylinder has an engraving depicting a wild cat in tall grasses. Charles McGowan’s initials are script engraved on the trigger guard. The standard S&W markings remain. It is fitted with a Keith long range front sight and a square notch adjustable rear sight. The Magna grips feature a relief oak leaf and acorn carving on a checkered background. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, ejector shroud and cylinder. The assembly number “4091” is found on the yoke and crane.
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