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Description - Who is James Martin Triggs? Jim Triggs was born March 02, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana. After high school, Jim attended college and art school, majoring in advertising design and illustration. During his college years, Triggs worked in various jobs including a parking lot attendant, doorman, Saturday Evening Post salesman and a saxophone player in an Ithaca NY saloon. His military career included service in the U.S. Army Air Force followed by two years in the New York State Guard. During this period Jim was introduced to one of his life-long loves, the machine gun. Other interests were airplanes and about anything to do with the old west, which included cowboys, Indians, guns and trains. In the mid-40s, Triggs was employed in the aviation industry, at multiple companies in New York State, participating in graphic production illustration programs and laid out production programs for construction of airplane components. He also worked as an airplane overhaul mechanic.
Jim's first job with Sturm, Ruger & Co. came in 1958. It was a parts and cutaway drawing of the new Bearcat revolver. That was followed by various other contract assignments. Triggs was hired, in 1976, as Advertising and Executive Art Director and head of Hawkeye Communications Division of Sturm, Ruger & Co., an in-house advertising agency. He held this position for the next twelve years. Due to failing health, Jim opened a small studio in his house where he continued some contract work for Ruger along with occasional painting. Bill Ruger Sr. and Jim Triggs became close friends. They were drawn together through mutual respect and admiration for accomplishments achieved by each. Just about every Sunday morning, provided both men were in town, Jim could be found drinking coffee (with WBR) at Ruger's kitchen table. Three of Jim's paintings were prominently displayed on the walls of Mr. Ruger's home.
In my display, you will see examples of Jim's art work that graced the covers of books, monthly periodicals (magazines) & product catalogs. Also, are original drawings of two revolvers, an original acrylic painting on a masonite panel of the Ruger Security-Six revolver. Accompanying the painting is low back grip frame Security-Six (GA-32) revolver depicted in the painting. An engraved Ruger Old Army revolver that was presented to RCA member Ray Morgan and a Colorado Centennial Ruger Single-Six revolver are displayed.
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Description - The Idaho Centennial Commission originally ordered 101 Old Army Idaho Centennial handguns to be produced by Nels Largent, a well-known master gunsmith and engraver, and owner of Silver Shield Gun Shop in Bosie, Idaho. Each handgun was meticulously engraved by Nels Largent or Terry Newell, also a master engraver. Because there were to be 101 handguns produced each gun was to be engraved on the bottom of the receiver with a year to signify each year of statehood (1890 through 1990). This gun's year is 1943 (s/n 145-58148), which would have made it the 54th gun produced if they were produced in chronological order by year. I doubt they were. However, Nels Largent and Silver Sheild Gun Shop completed 44 handguns before Mr. Largent passed away sometime in the early 1990's. The remaining 57 handguns were never produced!
Included in this display are items offered during the Idaho Centennial celebration & a Speer Idaho Centennial bullet board.
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Description - The 1st owner was Tom Ruger, Bill Ruger's youngest son. Tom was the Vice President of Marketing for Sturm, Ruger & Company at the time of his death. He was only 48 years old and passed away after a six-month battle against Leukemia. A Vietnam veteran, Tom joined Sturm, Ruger & Company in 1971. He was an avid shooter and very active in supporting the National and International shooting sports. The 2nd owner was Hank Williams Jr., famous Country music star and Ruger Collector Extraordinare. This display includes the original box, Instructions and Parts List, an additional 9mm cylinder, photos of these two gentlemen, Ruger period catalog & a "News from Ruger", proudly presents "The Security-Six Double Action" flyer.
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