September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Originally built circa 1944, this prototype carbine was converted to .40 S&W. In the early 1990s the popularity of the new .40 S&W cartridge and desire for pistol caliber carbines led several companies to develop prototypes, including Smith & Wesson. According to a notarized letter on Smith & Wesson letterhead from Bert DuVernay, former Director of the Smith & Wesson Academy, this carbine was received by the Academy from Product Engineering along with various other guns in 1998. With the closure of the Academy in 2005, DuVernay purchased the carbine and sold it to Larry Ruth in 2007. The carbine is fitted with a stainless-steel barrel, in the white, with 6 groove right hand twist rifling, commercial front sight, and "I.R. CO." adjustable rear. Rebuilt internals with a flat Winchester bolt modified to .40 caliber, and flip safety. Commercial polymer pistol grip Choate stock and ventilated blued steel hand guard. No .40 modified magazine was present when Du Verney received the carbine, although a standard unmodified magazine is included. The carbine is pictured on page 1541 of Ruth's "WAR BABY III". CONDITION: Very good as converted. Barrel remains bright with some minor spots of discoloration. The majority of military finish is retained on other metal components. Stock is very fine. Very good mirror bore. Fine mechanics. PROVENANCE: Larry Ruth Collection
Manufacturer
Standard Products
Paperwork
Documentation, COA