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LOT 523
Exceptional Factory Master Engraved
Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 27 Double
Action Revolver with Factory Letter
- Serial no. S164554, 357 magnum cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl.,
nickel finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured circa 1956-57, this is a beautiful example of a 1950s factory engraved N-frame revolver. This revolver, built on the five-screw frame, has “Class A” coverage of deep floral scroll engraving with a matte background that covers the sides of the frame, cylinder flats, the front
portion of the trigger guard bow, front sides of the ejector housing and the full length of both sides of the barrel. A factory letter accompanies this revolver stating that it was engraved by Russell Smith, S&W’s Master Engraver at the
time, and shipped to Warshal’s Sporting Goods, Seattle, WA, on November 26, 1956. The letter also verifies the 6 inch barrel, nickel finish, target hammer and rosewood target grips at the time of shipment. Also included is a signed letter from Russell
Smith, dated Sept. 1, 1993, referencing the serial number and attesting to his having engraved this revolver. It has the standard
S&W markings on the frame and barrel with the caliber designation of “S&W .357 MAGNUM” on the right side of the barrel. Ramped Patridge target
front sight and adjustable white outline target rear with casehardened target hammer and trigger, and is fitted with rosewood target grips.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains 99% original nickel finish with some very light spotting on the frame under the grips. There is a light drag line on the cylinder. The hammer and
trigger retain almost all of the original bright case colors. The revolver appears to have been fired very little if at all. The grips are also excellent with only light handling/storage marks. The
engraving and markings remain sharp. Mechanically excellent. A beautiful example of a factory documented Master Engraved Pre-Model 27 revolver.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 524
Highly Attractive “T.F.” Signed,
Custom Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no.
N124137, 44 Magnum cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, goncalo alves grips. White blade ramped front sight and adjustable white-outlined rear notch sight atop the 10 line serrated barrel. The
revolver shows near full coverage deep cut floral scroll engraving over a matted background surrounding a S&W
logo on the left side of the frame and a gold inlaid “ng” in a highly attractive stylized script on the sideplate. The revolver is signed “T.F.” under the cylinder release, initials of Tom Freyburger, who was a S&W factory engraver from 1967 to 1978. The grips are carved in the same scroll pattern with small windows of checkering on either panel. There are matching serial numbers on the frame and butt. Included is a factory letter listing this gun as a plain blue gun but confirms the rear sight, barrel length, caliber, target hammer, and target trigger when it was shipped on September 28, 1973, to International Distributors Inc. of Miami, Florida.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall, retaining 99% professionally applied blue and gold finishes, crisp engraving, light cylinder drag line, minor handling evidence, and slight high edge wear on the grips. Mechanically excellent. This is a highly desirable Tom Freyburger engraved and signed .44 Magnum.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 525
392
Exceptional Cased Factory Special Engraved Edition Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. N741564, 44 Magnum cal., 8 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood target grips. The factory letter confirms this revolver is a Model 29-2 Special Engraved Edition and was shipped on May 5, 1981, to Harry Sugarman Inc. in Eynon, PA, in the current configuration including “Class A engraving.” It has the standard markings and sights, wide checkered hammer spur, wide serrated trigger, serrated grip straps, and beautiful scrollwork engraving on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. It comes in a hardwood case with fitted interior that contains a screwdriver and a bore rod with both a mop and brush. CONDITION: Excellent overall with 99% original blue and casehardened finish with only a faint cylinder drag line and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with mild storage wear including some deterioration of the interior. Overall a top level Model 29-2 with beautiful factory engraving. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000