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LOT 537
Inscribed Texas Ranger Issued Smith & Wesson Model 19
“Combat Magnum” Double Action Revolver with Attractive
Holster Rig and Signed Affidavit - Serial no. K422524, 357
Magnum cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, goncalo alves grips.
Manufactured in 1960, this Smith & Wesson Model 19 “Combat
Magnum” revolver is documented as having been issued to three
different Texas Rangers. The first included signed affidavit pertains
to this revolver listing it by serial number and barrel length. The
document states that the revolver was assigned the Department
of Public Safety number “22038”, which is visible on the left side
of the frame. It goes on to state that the revolver was first issued
to Texas Ranger Pedro Montemayor of El Paso, Texas and upon his
retirement was reissued to Texas Ranger B.R. Grubbs of Midland,
Texas. It states that the revolver was then issued to Texas Ranger
Roberto D. Garza Jr., who carried it while performing his duties as a
ranger in Del Rio, Texas. It states that the revolver was later engraved
with his name and the title Texas Ranger by Albert Bean of Corpus
Christi, Texas and that the revolver was retired in 1992. This affidavit
also mentions a holster rig which is not the one included with this
lot. The affidavit is signed by Roberto D. Garza Jr. and dated 2003.
Another included affidavit signed by Garza and dated 2016 describes
the holster rig included with this revolver and states that he used it
during his assigned duties as a Texas Ranger. The revolver has the
standard Smith & Wesson markings as well as “DPS 22038” stamped
on the left of the frame and “Roberto D./Garza Jr./Texas Ranger”
engraved on the left of the frame. It is fitted with standard blade and
notch sights and a pair of checkered goncalo alves grips with “S&W”
medallions. Includes an ornate matching leather gunbelt, holster,
and trouser belt, which are all extensively tooled with oak leaf and
acorn patterns, with both belts and holster having the maker’s
mark “Corpito’s Leather Work/Pedro V. Ysaguirre”. The affidavit states
that Ysaguirre made the belts and holster while serving a prison
sentence with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The affidavit
also states that the ornate German silver buckles and keepers
brass mounts were made by an unidentified inmate. The gunbelt
and holster appears to have originally been intended for a semi-
automatic handgun as it includes a matching dual magazine pouch
and a handcuff pouch, however the revolver does fit in the holster.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally inscribed and refinished,
retaining 99% plus of the blue finish with the barrel and cylinder
showing a slight plum hue, as well as mostly crisp markings
and engraving. The revarnished grips show a few light handling
marks and moderate wear on the checkering of the right panel.
Mechanically excellent. The holster rig and trousers belt are excellent
with very minimal wear.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 538
Desirable and Rare Austin, Texas Police Department
Marked Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 Double Action
Revolver - Serial no. N354547, 357 Magnum cal., 3 1/2 inch solid
rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1975/76. The left
side of the frame has the Austin, Texas Police Department marking with
rack number: “APD 535.” The revolver wears a set of S&W medallion checkered
target grips fitted with a metal grip cap featuring a large S&W monogram. Chambered
in the more powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, the Model 27-2 replaced the Austin PD’s
S&W .38/44 Heavy Duty revolvers in 1968.
CONDITION: Very fine overall displaying authentic wear and tear of a duty revolver
carried by a Texas lawman, with 97% of the replated nickel finish remaining, a small
patch of pitting on the cylinder, and overall crisp grip checkering. Mechanically
excellent. An Austin Police Department Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 revolver that
would make a great addition to any law enforcement or Texas themed collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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