Harrison Ford's "Indiana Jones" hero pistol from Raiders of the Lost Ark....

Description

Harrison Ford's "Indiana Jones" hero pistol from Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Paramount, 1981) This is an original film-modified Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Mk II (HE II) revolver (serial number 37891) used by Harrison Ford as "Indiana Jones" throughout the adventure picture that kicked off one of the all-time great cinema sagas - Raiders of the Lost Ark.  This pistol was used through the majority of filming at Elstree Studios and on location in Tunisia. It is one of only two revolvers that are known to exist today that were used by Ford in the production of Raiders. As the movie was shot in different locations around the world, the pistol used by Ford in brief sequences shot in Hawaii and the U.S. was provided by a different weapons supplier. That pistol was also a slightly different model - an S&W Model 1917 - to the more heavily featured version being offered here. It is the Smith & Wesson HE II that is seen in all other scenes in the film in which Ford uses a revolver. This includes the shootout at the Raven bar, and one of the most memorable scenes in the movie - the now-infamous shooting of the Cairo swordsman. The pistol, which has been safely and sympathetically de-activated since filming, is instantly recognizable as a result of the custom modifications made especially for the movie.  The pistol's barrel was shortened from the original length and bored out. A unique, custom-made ramped front-site was also added.  The six-shot revolver remains in good condition, with the weathered patina that you would expect from something that has been on adventures with Indiana Jones.  It features original S&W grips with the traditional gold medallions inlaid.  It also features a swivel lanyard at the bottom of the handle.  Though de-activated, the hammer, trigger, and chamber all still function as they would have originally. This pistol was rented into the production by the famed U.K. armorers Bapty, as were the majority of the film's prop weapons. It had been tagged and locked in their vault since its use in the production. A signed letter of provenance from Bapty is included, confirming its history. The revolver is synonymous with the character of Indiana Jones and his adventurous lifestyle as an obtainer of rare antiquities. This offering represents a fantastic chance to own a real-world rare antiquity, and a piece of film history. Considered by AFI to be among the top 100 films ever made, and a winner of five Academy Awards, with an additional four nominations, Raiders is arguably the greatest adventure film of all time.

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