Whaling Captain Albert Shermans 2 Engraved Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action And .38 Safety Revolvers

This pair of engraved smith & wesson revolvers were the personal property of well known whaling captain albert c. Sherman. He was a whaler originally based out of new bedford mass. He was born in westport mass. In 1849, first employed on whalers around 1870 and listed as "master" in 1884. We have a list of at least eight whaling ships that he captained beginning in the 1870's. His first two ships were the "hale" and the "george & mary" whose log book rests at the westport maritime museum in mass. Then there was the "hunter" 1882-83 with log book in new bedford, the "john carver" 1884-1885, the "beluga"- 1892, the "orca" steamer- 1893 with log book at mystic museum and the "beluga" steamer -1896. He captained the "orca" in 1897 when it was trapped in ice and destroyed, of which much is written. He piloted the "thrasher" a steamer that set sail from san francisco from 1897-1899 and retired back to new bedford around 1900. His exploits took him around the world through the bering straits, both poles and the arctic where he spent nearly half of his career. His second wife carolyn was with him and died in the arctic. His son "bertie jr" was with him on the beluga" bertie was the father of elizabeth ladner who wrote a several page handwritten letter on her husbands stationary where she details her grandfathers exploits and ownership of these two smith & wesson revolvers and how she inherited them upon her fathers death. There are copies of two photographs, one of the "beluga" whaler where a birthday party was held at herschel island for 5 year old bertie(albert moved his family to san francisco in 1894-95) along with a picture of bertie and albert around the same time. There is a smith & wesson letter dated may 3, 2002 to mr. Ladner stating the s&w . 44 double action first model serial 24521 was sold october 1891 and the . 38 safety hammerless 3rd model serial 63615 sold in november the same year. This is just an information letter and does not detail the guns as to finish, barrels, etc. This lot also includes a sea bag made from sailcloth that is stenciled "mrs a.C. Sherman new bedford mass". She was alfred's third wife. We surmise that her address is printed in case of albert's death. As to the revolvers, both exhibit nearly full coverage banknote scroll engraving that appears to be of the same style and shop as found on page 60 of the standard catalog of smith & wesson. The . 44 sports a 6" barrel, nickel plated, case color hammer & trigger, blue trigger guard and sporting pearl grips. (also comes with a period flap holster stamped . 44, s&w & 6" on back in excellent condition but does have some loose stitching 4" up from tip) the . 38 appears to be nearly identical in engraving pattern and sporting pearl grips with a gold wash cylinder as well. Condition: both function correctly with strong bores that show some abrasion. Both have wonderful grips, at least 90% nickel finish, crisp engraving, strong case colors and blue with 90% gold wash intact on small revolver. A once in a lifetime collection that will appeal to both admirers of high grade and condition engraved smith & wesson's as well as whaling historians & collectors. Much more information can be found at the museums that are listed. Accessories: (a) holster, duffle bag barrel length: (a) 6" caliber/bore: (a) . 44 s&w russian (b) . 38 s&w ffl status: antique manufacturer: (both) smith & wesson model: (a) . 44 da (b) . 38 safety paperwork: provenance, information serial number: (a) 24521 (b) 63615 full length blade length