Unopened Trunk of 50 Years Yields Wonderful Surprise

**FUNDAMENTALS** · August 30th, 2010, 12:23 PM

A telephone call from a close friend advised she had received an Old
Wooden Trunk from her Great Aunt. To make a long story short, it
contained old clothes from the 20's, 30's and 40's. Near the bottom a
military bag was found and was a little heavy. To her surprise it contained
a military holster, belt, and a web pouch. She removed the heavy item
from the bag. Turned out to be a very large Revolver.(smile). "S&W DA 45.
U.S ARMY MODEL 1917, SN#36XXX. I went over to the house the very next
day with various cleaning materials. What a beautiful piece. Some muzzle
and holster wear, but would put it a 90 % of the original finish. It was
locked up tight. Was able to remove the wooden grips gently. Soaked the
Revolver in a "Cake" pan and let it soak after determing the revolver was
not loaded. Inspected the original "Half Moon" clips from the pouch that
had R-P Rounds attached(Another Smile). A quick call to a friend who is
a collector, yielded the pistol with the SN# was made in May of 1918.
After a couple of hours, the cylinder was able to be opened and inspected
the barell and charge holes of the cylinder. Completely stripped and
cleaned, and over the last three weeks just kept cleaning the barrell bore
lovingly. Some minor pitting but nothing serious. She now has a piece of
history from a Great Uncle who served in the U.S. Army in the war to end
All Wars. I am still smiling. BTW, the lady is "Gun Savvy".

**P89** · August 30th, 2010, 12:27 PM

Congrats!
Nothing feels quite like holding history in your hand.
Family history is even better.

**djturnz** · August 30th, 2010, 12:51 PM

PICS or it didn't happen

**Chief Brody** · August 30th, 2010, 01:32 PM

Nice story , pictures will then make it a great story...

**vic2367** · August 30th, 2010, 01:38 PM

thats a great find.. family history,,please post pics if u can ,,would love too see the gun ,,

**thebearpack** · August 30th, 2010, 01:39 PM

Wow. It's amazing to think there are still undiscovered treasures like that just waiting to be found. Nice!

**normanvin** · August 30th, 2010, 01:43 PM

Very cool. I was thinking Luger when I saw the thread title.

**mpi** · August 30th, 2010, 02:22 PM

wow, i only find moldy socks!

**blaster668** · August 30th, 2010, 02:49 PM

Does the OP need to be concerned about any legalities regarding the transfer of this firearm? I wouldn't want any of the involved parties to get into hot water because they transferred a handgun without an FFL or possibly across state lines.