March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Both revolvers feature blued finish, six shot, double action, and case colored hammer and triggers. Revolvers have matching serial numbers on frame, barrel and cylinder. One has Smith & Wesson hard rubber grips, while the other has Smith & Wesson checkered walnut grips, not numbered to the gun. Grips on both revolvers are near mint. Smith & Wesson factory letter on No. 694106 lists this gun in it's present condition; shipped on August 7, 1940, as a .38 Model 1905 fourth change, 2" barrel, shipped to Boston Police Department ballistic unit, attention Sergeant Edward J. Seibolt. The back strap is stamped "B.P.D. 118 M". Serial No. 694105 was shipped from the factory August 24, 1946, delivered to Lou Eppinger of Detroit, Michigan. The letter does not list any specifications. No mention of barrel length, finish or grips. An article by Mike Priwer in the Smith & Wesson Journal of Autumn 1993 discuses serial No. 694105 and pictures the gun with 2" barrel, round butt and rubber grips and all matching numbers. On this revolver the matching serial number is scratched on the inside of the left grip, as can be seen in the article. Article believes this revolver was made in 1938 or 1939, though it was not shipped until 1946. As to condition, No. 694105 retains approximately 85% total factory original blue with most of the wear of rear grip strip, which has turned a blue-grey patina and wear to cylinder approximately 30%, which is blending with gun metal gray. Serial No. 694106 displays approximately 75% original blue with most of the wear in the same areas and a touch more wear on the top strap. If this was not interesting enough, an article by Roy Jinks also deals with No. 694105, showing a strange marking on left trigger guard. Roy found this revolver was shipped on September 20, 1940 to the Norwegian Air Force in Canada; one of 625 revolvers. How this revolver was shipped twice from factory and has the Norwegian stamp remains a mystery still to be uncovered. Arguably one of the more interesting pair of consecutive number revolvers. CORRECTION: Serial number 694105 not sent to Norway, this was simply conjecture on the part of Roy reversing number and mark not yet proven.
Barrel Length
(A) 2" (B) 2"
Caliber/Bore
(A) .38 Special (B) .38 Special
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Model
(A) Hand Ejector (B) Hand Ejector
Serial Number
(A) 694105 (B) 694106