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LOT 1537
Historic Documented Alvin A. White Factory Engraved, Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson Model
29-2 Double Action Revolver Presented to the Legendary Frank Sinatra with Presentation
Case and Factory Letter and Further Documentation - Serial no. N334120, 44 Magnum cal., 6
1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured c. 1975 to 1976, this is a stunning
example of a factory engraved and gold inlaid Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 revolver that is truly historic
as having been presented to the American icon, “Ol’ Blue Eyes”, Frank Sinatra. Here at Rock Island
Auction Company, we have certainly been no stranger to handling the firearms of pop culture icons,
as well as firearms that have become legendary icons on their own. Some of these incredible pieces
of Americana include revolvers which belonged to the “King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presley, shotguns
presented to the “King of Hollywood” Clark Gable, the iconic Han Solo blaster from Star Wars, Steve
McQueen’s “Mare’s Leg”, and Lara Croft’s pistols used on screen in Tomb Raider. Along with all of these
icons, we have also hand the honor of handling a plethora of firearms and related items from a fellow
member of the Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr., who became legendary among the firearms community for
his quick draw skills and gun twirling tricks. This beautiful Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum is yet another
icon of American culture that we have the pleasure of offering to the public.
Introduced in 1955, Smith & Wesson’s Model 29 in the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge would later
become an American icon due to its on-screen use by Clint Eastwood’s character in the legendary
film “Dirty Harry”. The included factory letter lists the revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish,
goncalo alves target grips, a target hammer, and target trigger when shipped to Harris & Stroh in
Hayward, California on 4 March 1976. The letter further notes that the revolver was supplied to Master
Engraver Alvin A. White who executed the Class A engraving commission and that the revolver was a
presentation revolver for Frank Sinatra. Also included are official copies of Smith & Wesson invoices and
a portion of the ledger, showing the Class A engraving, as well as A.A. White listed in the ledgers. This
revolver shows incredibly attractive, masterfully executed, near full-coverage floral scroll engraving
with a matted background by Alvin A. White, encompassing all the major components. The right of
the frame is inlaid in gold with the initials “FAS” for Francis Albert Sinatra, more commonly known as
Frank Sinatra. The left side of the barrel has the Smith & Wesson marking, while the right side has the
caliber marking. The left side of the frame has the trademark tucked among the scroll and the four-line
address is on the right. It is fitted with a ramped blade front sight with red insert, adjustable notch
rear sight, and a pair of very nicely figured grips with “S&W” monogram medallions. Included with the
revolver is a factory hardwood case with a silver plaque on the lid that is marked “TO FRANCIS ALBERT
SINATRA/FROM THE GANG AT HARRAH’S/MARCH 12, 1976”, which also contains a cleaning rod and
screwdriver. Also included is a notarized letter from Henry “Hank” Cattaneo, who was co-producer of
Sinatra’s final three albums, listing the revolver by serial number and stating that it was gifted to him
by Frank Sinatra.
Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) is truly one of a handful of American pop culture icons that needs very little
introduction, being ranked among the world’s top selling music artists, having sold an estimated 150
million records. He was born to Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New Jersey, and began his musical
career during the swing era, being heavily influenced by artists such as Bing Crosby, and in 1943
signed with Colombia Records as a solo artist, releasing his debut album. In 1946, he signed with
Capitol Records and released several successful albums during the 1950s before starting his own
record label in 1960. During the 1950s, Sinatra had also launched a successful acting career, starring in
multiple movies and musicals. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Sinatra had become a prominent
member of the group of A-list celebrities known as the “Rat Pack”, which included Sinatra, Nat King
Cole, Judy Garland, Errol Flynn, Mickey Rooney, Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and
Sammy Davis Jr. Members of the group showed up on screen in multiple films together, as well as
performing on stage together on multiple occasions.