Josef Fugger was an engraver employed at one time by Griffin and Howe (New Jersey). Probably 1950s era. He engraved at least one S&W pre-29, but I think his specialty was engraving shotguns (?)

Does anyone have any info on Mr. Fugger ?

Does anyone know of any other S&Ws possibly engraved by Mr. Fugger ?

Photos anyone ?

Here is one he engraved, perhaps it is the one you are referring to.

Smith & Wesson Pre-29 DA Josef Fugger Engraved .44 Mag Revolver, Handgun Gun Library : Cabela's

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John. SWCA #1586

Joseph Fugger had a great reputation for fine engraving at Griffin and Howe. He was encouraged as a youth by his mother to develop that talent. Her name is not known, but she was often referred to as just Mother Fugger.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Joseph Fugger began engraving under the tutelage of his father and later received formal training in Austria. He came to the United States in 1924 and worked with Rudolph Kornbrath for several years. His work shows a strong influence by Kornbrath. He did much of his engraving for Griffin & Howe, Inc. One other S&W engraved by Fugger (although attributed to Kornbrath for many years) is the Registered Magnum that appeared on the cover of Gun Digest in 1951. It has an 8 3/4-inch barrel and a companion 4-inch barrel.

Bill

Fugger (pronounced Foo' ger) worked for Kornbrath for several years. Fugger went off on his own later and eventually went to work for Griffin& Howe in NYC as their master engraver. He held that position till approx 1972 when a stroke forced his retirement from engraving.
A young unknown engraver was Fugger's apprentice from 1969 till his retirement. Then that apprentice took over Fuggers spot at the bench at G&H for nearly the next 2 years. His name is Winston Churchill.

The majority of Fuggers work is on long guns because of his association with G&H but there are handguns with his work too. There is one in particular which caused some debate. A S&W pre war 357 that had been attributed to Kornbrath for some time was later said to have been done by Fugger.
The long barreled 357 also has an extra short barrel that was fitted and engraved. That work was done by the factory at a later date so I've read. The revolver was the cover shot on a 50's or 60's Guns Digest. I had the pic but must have deleted it. If I can find it again, I'll post it.
Here's a pic of Fugger and a couple of his work on a M21 and an 03 sporter I believe. From Gun Engraving Review

Attached Images

	JFugger.JPG (29.6 KB, 114 views)
	jfuggere2.JPG (31.1 KB, 128 views)
	jfuggere1.JPG (26.2 KB, 115 views)

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Yes, the Cabela's gun is what I had in mind. It started out at around $11,999 and it has since worked its way down to $6,999 I think.

I wish I had that kind of money now, but with the econony and the 401Ks getting wiped out, I guess I can only dream.

If anyone can find more photos it would be greatly appreciated.