Red eagle auto #0654: original or chopped?

[fredrx]

This is a rare, 3-digit red eagle, but I wonder if it left the factory as shown, or has it been simply pieced together?

It has a later bolt with the recoil spring support (looks like a 1952 era tapered ear bolt). Safety button looks to be a later, larger size. Magazine shown is the 1960's era, double-slotted type. Also, not sure about the "high polish" statement -- does that mean the factory did this, or does it mean reblued?

Full link to auction HERE

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[flatgate]

You know I'm no Auto Collector but, my guess is that's a "rework" done at SR&Co. at some point in time.

flatgate

 

[Ale-8(1)]

According to RENE, many of the very early guns were returned for firing pin breakage at which time the later style bolt (shown here) was installed.

I'd guess that any older gun returned for any reason likely received the newer bolt style.

:)

 

[rugerguy]

too "high polished", absolutely 'redone, only things good about this gun is the serial number, rear sight and the grips, the rest is "pieces, parts...."

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, it's a three-digit gun, but it sure doesn't warrant a four-digit price . . . IMHO.

;)

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Yeah, those grips look mint, and are worth as much as the gun if
not more IMO.
Terry

 

[SteveRuger]

My thoughts is a Re-blued the picture #2 the stamping is not crisp, the edges seam to be buffed hard. Also the Blueing is to 'Black' the orginal blueing is more 'gray-blue'. IMHO

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

BUT.......Ruger, according to the seller, says it was not shipped........SO?

 

[contender]

Interesting. I read the bottom bunch of info,, and noted that it APPEARS to coming from Hansen & Hansen,,!!!!!! It appears to have been redone,, and the mags are wrong,, etc. Makes you wonder why Hansen & Hansen would make some of these claims.

 

[fredrx]

Interesting. I read the bottom bunch of info,, and noted that it APPEARS to coming from Hansen & Hansen,,!!!!!! It appears to have been redone,, and the mags are wrong,, etc. Makes you wonder why Hansen & Hansen would make some of these claims.

Whoever it is, they have less than stellar feedback numbers on auctionarms. Using the numbers posted, my math shows that more than 1 in 20 transactions have resulted in either neutral or negative feedback. In the online auction world, that seems high.

I also noticed that the listing has been revised to include info/pics on the bolt and the 'buy it now' price was lowered. Maybe it's the seller's writing style, but the entire description has a certain 'vagueness' about it when I read it over again.

 

[1gunsnotenough]

He has a couple of RCA guns listed as well. But I am worried about his feedback as well.

 

[chet15]

Interesting. I read the bottom bunch of info,, and noted that it APPEARS to coming from Hansen & Hansen,,!!!!!! It appears to have been redone,, and the mags are wrong,, etc. Makes you wonder why Hansen & Hansen would make some of these claims.

:roll:

 

[chet15]

Definitely looks like a reblue to me.
Definitely looks like it has a large safety button.
And it definitely has a tapered ear bolt from the '52-'54 era (strange that wasn't mentioned in the seller's ad).
Now, if the gun was never shipped from the factory as claimed...how'd it get that tapered ear bolt?
And...it may not mean anything, but at least the guns transferred from the Red Barn to the new Southport premises in late '58/early '59 did not include #0654 auto. With the kind of bills WBR needed to pay at that time during the '49 to '54 era, you'd think that he'd have made sure anything was shipped that shot...and this gun sure doesn't seem like some sort of test gun or prototype.
If somebody happens to be calling the factory, I'd see if that one does or doesn't have a ship date. I would be surprised if it didn't.
Chet15

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

MAYBE. a Lunch Box special.......................Long after 1949. Ala Johnny Cash, "One piece at a time.........."

 

[chet15]

Yea, there's a few of those out there.
Saw a tapered ear example in Tulsa one year...had absolutely no markings on it what-so-ever and the receiver had a full 1" diameter to it.
Also know of an OM Super Single-Six without any markings.
Chet15

 

[flatgate]

FWIW, J.D.'s Pistols and Revolvers has a list of "returned" Standard Autos that needed firing pin work. 0654 is NOT on the list.

The book also lists Salt Cod Box guns. 0653 and 0655 are listed, 0654 is not.

Perhaps this gives credence to the "never shipped" theory????

OK, upon further though.... "Lunch Box Special"!

:D

flatgate

 

[chet15]

FWIW, J.D.'s Pistols and Revolvers has a list of "returned" Standard Autos that needed firing pin work. 0654 is NOT on the list.
flatgate

This is only a sample list though. There were a bunch of those returned.
Chet15

 

[SteveRuger]

This is why I am a member of this forum you can discuss the issues & look @ all the options! Hey I am still learning Rugers! IMHO

 

[fredrx]

FWIW, J.D.'s Pistols and Revolvers
The book also lists Salt Cod Box guns. 0653 and 0655 are listed, 0654 is not.

Perhaps this gives credence to the "never shipped" theory????


flatgate

That is intriguing.

 

[radicalrod]

Hey my 5604 is not on JD's list...and the Cod box sure looks right to me.....look at the 0024 auto....receiver was never assembled until much later with later period parts.......good thing mine is 0603 not 0653 :shock: :shock: :shock: then I would be all about it :D :D :D see ya RR.

 

[martyj]

If it never left the factory does that make it a stolen pistol?

 

[fredrx]

I think this one is destined for eternal speculation -- called the records dept. and was told there is no entry in the log book for SN 0654.

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

AAAAAAAA-Haaa! Another that can go in the Flood damaged category. 8)

 

[fredrx]

As flatgate pointed out above, the records are avaiable at the factory for the 1949 pistols, there's just no 0654 entry. The records dept. person I spoke with did venture a guess that the gun stayed behind for whatever reason and was assembled at a later date.

Hawkeye: maybe at that later date it's invoice was lost in the great SR flood?

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

The other category a Friend uses is "Only the Phantom knows............." I use it for the flood lettered firearms......... 8)

 

[rugerguy]

"she laid around and laid around, this old town too long, winters almost gone and summers comin on.............." :roll: :roll:

 

[hr2lrn]

OK, upon further though.... "Lunch Box Special"!

:D

flatgate

+1

 

[chet15]

Yup...hard telling how that one got out.
Not sure about this, but would think the statute of limitations would long be over on a gun built in 1949. Then again...maybe WBR himself pulled one right off the line and gave it to somebody?
Chet15

 

[radicalrod]

Hey I see that this sold for the buy it now price.......maybe a market for these yet......and for the record........NO I DIDN'T BUY IT.......see ya RR.