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LOT 1530
Well-Documented One-of-a-Kind Wolf & Klar Ordered
Smith & Wesson
.357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Only Known
1/10 Inch Military-Cross Lined Front Sight and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 48669, 357 magnum cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This .357 Registered Magnum (reg. no.
1400) is one of only 839 S&W manufactured with a 6 inch barrel and is the only one known with a factory 1/10 inch
military-cross lined front sight. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 23, 1936, and delivered to R.D. Heath of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, with a 6 inch barrel, 1/10 inch military-cross lined front
sight, rear sight to match, blue finish, grip adapter, and checkered walnut grips. Additional included documents provided by the S&W Historical Foundation indicate the revolver was ordered by Joseph A. Holmes through Wolf & Klar, Fort Worth, Texas,
and delivered to R.D. Heath of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, for Joseph A. Holmes. The recipient of this revolver is possibly Joseph A. Holmes, Jr. the son of Joseph A. Holmes, Sr. (1859-1915) who was a geologist, occupational safety and health pioneer and the first director of the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Joseph A. Holmes, Sr. is the namesake of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association. Many of these documents discuss payment and shipment of the revolver. Holmes had requested to receive the revolver before setting sail to South America, but the revolver was not completed in time. The revolver was delivered to R.D. Heath because Holmes was in Trinidad. The S&W order form and invoice confirm the revolver’s configuration including
the 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight and Joseph Holmes as the recipient and feature a sketch of the front sight with the notation “if any doubt about this sight see Mr. Pomeroy.” Edward S. Pomeroy was S&W’s chief designer who is perhaps best known for designing the Model 1940 light rifle. His invaluable firearms expertise would undoubtedly have been appreciated by the individual tasked with manufacturing this very custom front sight. The 1/10 inch military-cross lined front sight was specifically designed and fabricated for this order and only this order. Knowledgeable S&W collectors see this revolver as having a one-off sight configuration that will only be found on this .357 Registered Magnum. The rear sight is a gold outlined square notch. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% original blue finish with a patch of pitting on the butt, a light cylinder drag, and scattered handling marks. 98% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. A well-documented S&W .357 Registered Magnum revolver with a one-of-a-kind sight configuration that is a must have for the serious S&W or big caliber revolver collector.
Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 1531
Cased Smith & Wesson Model
29-1 Double Action Revolver
with Special Order 5 Inch Barrel Factory Letter - Serial no.
S228672, 44 Magnum cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, goncalo alves
grips. As documented by the S&W Historical Foundation, there are only five Model 29-1s with the 5 inch barrel
length known to exist. Certainly a most rare variation of the .44 Magnum series and a highly valuable addition to any S&W collection. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 5 inch barrel at a $10 up charge, blue finish,
and checkered goncalo alves target grips when shipped to H. Kiefaber Co. in Dayton, Ohio, on August 7, 1962. The 5 inch
barrel is a rare special order feature. Fitted with red ramp front and fully adjustable rear sights. Includes a S&W hardwood
display case.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with limited handling marks, a cylinder drag line, and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine with some interior wear and corner dings.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
454
LOT 1532
Rare Post-War Smith & Wesson Commercial Model 1917 Double Action Revolver with Box and Factory Letter - Serial no. S210485, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This revolver is one of 900 of its type manufactured between 1946-1948. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, butt swivel, and checkered walnut grips when shipped to Hall & Knight Co. in Lewiston, Maine, on February 24, 1948. Fitted with half moon front and frame notch rear sights. Matching serial numbers marked on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and inside the right grip. Includes original S&W maroon box.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% original blue finish with some light handling marks, a faint cylinder drag line, and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,000