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LOT 480
Smith & Wesson Prototype of a Short Barrel
Model 19 Double Action Revolver - Serial no.
680555, 357 magnum cal., 3 inch solid rib bbl., blue
finish, maple grips. Offered here is a S&W prototype of a
short barrel Model 19 DA revolver built on a pre-war K-22
Outdoorsman frame. The K-22 Outdoorsman host revolver was
originally shipped on November 6, 1940, and delivered to Janney, Semple, Hill & Co. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although it lacks S&W service department markings, the gun was subsequently returned to the S&W factory and was rebuilt into a short barrel Model 19 prototype by talented S&W research and development
employees. The K-22
Outdoorsman frame is mated to
a Model 19 cylinder and barrel.
In order to fit the barrel to the frame, the top strap
was expertly reshaped and rounded. The grip frame was
also reshaped and features a round butt. The inclusion of a round butt required the relocation of the serial number, which was applied to the front strap. The barrel was skillfully shortened to 3 inches and muzzle re-crowned and displays the roll markings for a longer length barrel. The revolver is fitted with pre-war sights. The .357 Registered Magnum hammer was bobbed and grooved. The revolver wears a set of highly figured bird’s eye maple grips which were beautifully crafted by the S&W factory stocking department. For decades knowledgeable collectors have rightfully considered this revolver to be a prototype of a short barrel Model 19. The revolver was once owned by Charles “Trigger” McGowan. McGowan had a 50 plus year career at Smith & Wesson as a service department employee. His firearms collection contained S&W prototypes such as this revolver. Built on its K-frame, S&W introduced the Model 19 in 1957 and was quickly embraced by law enforcement agencies across the country. The model was originally available with a 4 inch barrel only, and 2 1/2 and 6 inch barrel lengths were offered later in production. Very few were manufactured with a 3 inch barrel.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as a S&W prototype, retaining 97% plus of the factory blue finish with scattered handling marks and a cylinder drag line. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to acquire a piece to the S&W Model 19 legacy.
Provenance: The Charles “Trigger” McGown Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 482
Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Pre-Model 29 Double Action Revolver with Factory Case - Serial no. S174604, 44 Magnum cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured between 1956 and 1957. Matching serial number on the butt and frame. No number present on the 4 inch barrel, although has factory fitted case. Five-screw frame with ten-groove back strap. Standard markings and features including red ramp blade front and white outline notched tangent rear sights, with casehardened wide spur hammer and trigger shoe. Fitted with checkered walnut
grips with silver Smith & Wesson
medallions. Includes a black
leatherette Smith & Wesson case (for short barrel, see above), screwdriver,
bore brush, and bore cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 97% of original blue finish with light edge wear, cylinder drag line, handling marks, and finish loss on the backstrap along with crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. The exterior of the case is very fine, the interior is very good with noticeable tears.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 483
Smith &
Wesson Model
29 Double
Action Revolver - Serial no. S193430, 44 Magnum
cal., 8 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured between 1958 and 1959. Standard markings and features,
including red ramp blade front and adjustable white outline notched
tangent rear sights along with casehardened hammer and trigger shoe.
Fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver Smith & Wesson medallions.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 97% of original blue finish with light
handling marks, scratches, and light cylinder drag line. The grips are chipped at the
bottom of the backstrap, with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 484
Smith & Wesson Model 53 .22 Magnum Double Action Revolver with Box and Cylinder Inserts
- Serial no. K463721, 22 magnum cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1961.
Standard markings
and features including
serrated ramp blade
front and white outline
notched tangent rear
sights. Fitted with
checkered walnut
target grip with silver
Smith & Wesson
medallions. Includes
un-numbered plain
blue box, cleaning
tools, user’s manual,
and 12 cylinder inserts.
CONDITION: Excellent
overall, retaining
97% of original blue finish with limited handling marks, edge wear, light cylinder drag line, and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is good with tape repairs.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 481
Excellent Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman (Pre-War) Double Action Revolver with Box -
Serial no. 59354, 38 S&W special cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
in 1931-1941. Features pinned blade front and adjustable square notch rear sights, Magna grips, humpback hammer and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and ejector shroud. Comes with the original S&W blue picture box numbered to gun, bore brush, and period S&W .38/44 Outdoorsman pamphlet.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% original blue finish with some muzzle wear, a few minor handling marks, and cylinder drag line. Nearly all original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also excellent with limited handling marks and overall crisp checkering. The worn box is very good. Mechanically excellent.
402 Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000