September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Manufactured in the late 1950s. Features include polished blue finish, 2" pinned barrel, serrated ramp front sight, 5-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .38 Special, flat cylinder latch, round butt J frame, and 2-piece smooth rosewood grips inset with S&W medallions. The right side of the frame is engraved with light scrolls and "Earle Stanley Gardner". Gardner was a prolific American author most known for his Perry Mason series of detective stories as well as numerous novels often written under pen names. He was also a collector and sportsman, and according to a 1967 article in The Atlantic "He usually carries in his pocket, on the ranch, a snub-nosed .38 Smith and Wesson revolver, which he can produce with astonishing suddenness", this very possibly being the gun. Revolver is accompanied by a correct early 2-piece red pasteboard box, as well as a previous auction description listing this revolver with a grouping of Gardner's personal affects. CONDITION: Very good. Bountiful amounts of lustrous blue are retained throughout with some moderate carry wear and a faint turn line. Grips have some minor scattered marks. Very fine bright bore, possibly unfired since leaving the factory. Crisp mechanics. Box is likewise very good with some expected edgewear.
Item Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 2"
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Paperwork
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