Lot 3303

Smith & Wesson Model 37 Revolver, Vietnam Presentation Inscribed

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Smith & Wesson Model 37 Revolver, Vietnam Presentation Inscribed

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,500

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic Smith & Wesson Model 37 Airweight Double Action Revolver Vietnam War Era Presentation Inscribed from South Vietnamese President Thieu to U.S. Major General Hollingsworth with Relief Dragon Carved Ivory Grips Manufactured c. 1971-1972, featuring a period presentation inscription on the right side of the alloy frame reading "An Loc April 1972/PRESIDENT THIEU/TO/MG HOLLINGSWORTH", indicating this revolver was presented by South Vietnam's President Nguyen Van Thieu (April 5, 1923-September 29, 2001) to U.S. Army Major General James F. Hollingsworth (subsequently promoted to Lieutenant General; March 24, 1918-March 2, 2010) for his leadership in the major Battle of An Loc fought between April to June of 1972 during the Vietnam War. Hollingsworth, while serving as Commander of the Third Regional Assistance Command in III Corps, was responsible for organizing the air support that allowed the South Vietnamese forces to hold the town and ultimately defeat the attacking Communist Vietnamese forces in the Battle of An Loc. South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu was in office from 1967 until the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. It has fixed ramped blade front and top strap notch rear sights, the model name and caliber designation in two lines on the right side of the barrel, the Smith & Wesson address on the right side of the frame, the Smith & Wesson trade mark on the left side of the frame, and the model designation marked on the frame under the crane. Matching "55805" assembly numbers on the grips frame and crane. The revolver is wearing a pair of highly attractive ivory grips with detailed relief carved dragons.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 37

BBL: 1 7/8 inch solid rib

Gauge: 38 Special

Finish: black anodized/blue

Grips: ivory

Serial Number230620

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Major General Hollingsworth; The Gus Cargile Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retaining 98% original black anodized and blue finish with some minor handling wear, minor cylinder drag lines, and crisp markings. The grips are very fine with attractive patina and crisp relief carvings. Mechanically excellent. A historic Smith & Wesson revolver with a Vietnam War era presentation inscription from the president of South Vietnam to Major General Hollingsworth for helping win the Battle of An Loc!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000