1950 RST-4 (1st collectable?)

[theo98]

Below is my newest acquisition, a 1950 Ruger Red Eagle Standard, SN-3560! After my through take down review, believe it would rate as a NRA "Excellent" status, with 99% perfect bluing and a basically "new" look (inside and out), including an original Red Eagle grip emblem. Rifling is superb and overall, appears to have been fired very little over the past 70 years! According to the Ruger senior tech, it has never been sent in for service of any kind and my described component action list is exact for the period of manufacture. The SN seems to point to an early February of 1950 mnf. date, but Ruger's records for those 1st six months of Standard production in the Red Barn are scattered at best. The tech came up with a 10/22 on the SN, but clearly it isn't (see pics)! He stated that their day books didn't become accurate or very organized till mid 1950. Unfortunately, a box, the OM or an original invoice didn't come with the purchase. However, I did get two "A54" period mags and an extra A54 grip panel set!

In my described condition of this Standard, is it possible to obtain some type of Letter-of-Authenticity and a SWAG Value to this "Collectable" Standard, or does it even rate that status???

Any assistance, comments or knowledge from the membership would be greatly appreciated!

Ted

Ruger 1950 Red Eagle Standard

Ruger 1950 Red Eagle Standard

Ruger 1950 Red Eagle Standard

Ruger 1950 Red Eagle Standard

Ruger 1950 Red Eagle Standard

[jowdurt]

Great find! With that serial number it is a version 2 Red Eagle. I see six grooves in the barrel and this was the first to have the spring support at the front of the bolt (visible in your pics). I am on the lookout for a version 1a and a 2 as well. Hope to find one as nice as yours.

SRV

[gunman42782]

That's one of the best condition ones I have ever seen! Congratulations!

[my3swedes]

That is stunning! Great find.

[theo98]

Thanks to all for the kind comments and support! I was given a link yesterday to a very educational and detailed gun show participant, the Bob Belknap's Ruger Red Eagle Display at the 2004 RCA Show in Tulsa!

I've been reading about the Ruger Collectors "Type" ratings for Red Eagles, but was never able to get my hands on what it was or how it came about. Now, I have much better clarity of the Ruger Standard Collector's language and decided to get-in-writing what I Think I understand into a .jpeg document!

I've attached the data for anyone's use, compliments to the many years of hard work, frustrations and ultimate success I'm confident that Bob (and many other collectors) went through to put this final work on display!! Any errors or juicy details that need correction or addition, please let me know...I'll update the page then re-post! FWIW, JD is right...my new Red Eagle edition is a Type 2

Thanks,

Ted

Ruger Red Eagle Standard Types-by Bob Belknap-2004

[TEMIII]

Congratulations on your find. It certainly is a collectable. The August 2019 edition of the Red Eagle News Exchange (RENE) price guide lists the collector grade Type II's at $610.

If you do not have one, Chad Hiddleson's Encyclopedia of Ruger Semi-Automatic Rimfire Pistols * 1949 - 1992 is a must have. They are usually available on E-Bay and Amazon.

[jowdurt]

Here is a chart I built that may be useful. Tom Martin has a good chart as well.

[theo98]

Congratulations on your find. It certainly is a collectable. The August 2019 edition of the Red Eagle News Exchange (RENE) price guide lists the collector grade Type II's at $610.

If you do not have one, Chad Hiddleson's Encyclopedia of Ruger Semi-Automatic Rimfire Pistols * 1949 - 1992 is a must have. They are usually available on E-Bay and Amazon.

Thanks TEMIII for passing on a "Value" to my Red Eagle and the RENE reference!!

Yes, I need to look into Chad's publication, although don't know if I'll continue collecting RE's...Safe's Full!!!

Ted

[theo98]

Here is a chart I built that may be useful. Tom Martin has a good chart as well.

JD,

Great spreadsheet with a lot more Detail and Useful info!! Was going to do something similar, but it would have been pretty anemic compared to your endeavor!

THANKS for sharing,

Ted

[T.A. Workman]

Beautiful Type II Red Eagle.
As to value remember the RENE price guide is just that a guide, The grips alone on your pistol are worth $300.00 at least IMHO, and are seldom seen for sale.

I have a Type 1A 5 groove Boxed Red Eagle that I had Dan Tanko (rugerguy) restore several years ago.

I will check my stash I might have another hinged box which is correct for your pistols year of manufacture if you are interested. I'll let you know if I do.

Terry