Lot 1477

Texas Ranger Owner Smith & Wesson .357 Combat Magnum Revolver

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Texas Ranger Owner Smith & Wesson .357 Combat Magnum Revolver

Estimate: $3,750 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,250

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Smith & Wesson .357 Combat Magnum Pre-Model 19 Double Action Revolver Owned by Captain E.J. "Jay" Banks of the Texas Rangers with Texas Department of Public Safety Letter Manufactured from 1955-1957, Smith & Wesson's .357 Combat Magnum, or "pre-Model 19" as it is often known now, quickly became a favored sidearm of law enforcement. This example in particular was owned by a member of perhaps the most famous law enforcement agency in America, or the world for that matter, the Texas Rangers. The included copy of a Texas Department of Public Safety letter signed by "Jay" Banks states that this revolver, as well as another Combat Magnum in this auction, were carried by him on duty as a Texas Ranger from the mid-1950s until the end of his career. Given Banks' comments in another letter listing a pair of Colt Government Models, it is fairly clear that the ranger preferred these revolvers over the semi-automatics. In almost all of the available photographs of Banks, he is pictured with a dual holster rig and two revolvers. The letter lists this revolver and the other in this auction by serial number. The revolver has the standard Smith & Wesson markings. It is fitted with a ramped blade front sight, adjustable micrometer click rear sight, a wide serrated trigger shoe, and a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips with Smith & Wesson medallions at the tops.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: Combat Magnum

BBL: 4 inch solid rib

Gauge: 357 magnum

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberK261037

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine, retains 90% plus of the period refinished blue with some scattered patches of light pitting and some light muzzle wear. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks, a chip on the top of the left panel, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A scarce chance to own a sidearm of a legendary Texas Ranger!

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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