Dick Marble Special - What do you all think?

[Smithjj]

I was watching this auction closely and though about bidding. Interesting and unique given the configuration and dates in the Letter from Mr. Jinks.

Smith & Wesson Model 66 Revolver with Box and Factory Letter | Rock Island Auction

Thoughts?

Best,
Jim

 

[s&wchad]

Cool gun!
I love the serial number - 3K33333

What did it sell for!

 

[raljr1]

I don't know, but I do know that I don't normally swim in water that deep.

 

[raljr1]

Cool gun!
I love the serial number - 3K33333

What did it sell for!

$4165 plus, plus

 

[zwartepiet]

Very Cool! Wonder when the 3” barrel was put on?

 

[22hipower]

Seems like a lot of money for a "special" that can't be factory verified as a "special." If we believe the story the three inch barrel is original to the gun but that SN was supposed to be a 4 inch and factory records show it as a 4 inch.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[rct269]

I shouldn't be running my mouth when my memory's not in gear, but they used to make up guns with special serial numbers for Herbie Harris's collection (Chicago based distributor)--------seems like whatever with a string of zeros. The only one I think I remember was a .22 caliber something with the number 22000000---or some such.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Model29-26.5]

I have pretty specific tastes. This one doesn’t do anything for me at all.
No fluting? No pinned barrel? No dice.
And I’ll only go no recessed cylinders if it’s a model 25…or 586. Or 686.
And maybe a model 10 or 15 which I don’t have yet.
Possibly a 66–2..,
And.., Let me another look at that one again actually..

 

[Retired W4]

Good looking revolver, but I just don't know about that hammer price. It's more fitting for a 4 screw 44 Magnum. Then again, John Jovino modified a lot of guns in his shop but I don't think they go for that much money.

If I were bidding on it I would have dropped out at ~ $1700 Hammer.

 

[flundertaker]

Yeah, thats nuts. A lot of unverifiable details to believe in order to get anywhere near that final price. As they say, "Buy the gun, not the story."

 

[Smithjj]

I did a few searches before the auction closed regarding Dick Marble. Several "specials" are attributed to him many are one of a kind. Apparently, Dick Marble loved the #3 as many of his specials contain the #3 the serial number.

Although the details may not be "all" documented by Factory Letter, they were made at S&W facilities by S&W employees. This is confirmed in multiple Factory letters. It would be pretty neat to understand the full history of Dick Marble and his "special" Smith and Wesson revolvers.

What was interesting, at least based upon the Letter / Dates is this seems to be the first 3" produced, by a number of years with a RB frame - one of one?

Upon request, RIA sent me a few extra pictures and answered a few questions regarding condition. The box listed the gun as a 4" not a 3" and that kept me away from bidding. Based on the additional pictures and answers from RIA the gun is in pristine condition.

I may be wrong but this one seems to be one of a kind. Is it worth the $4,500+/-? As mentioned, if the box had matched the gun I would have been interested...