There is an interesting Triple Lock that I have thought of obtaining...but I need some input before deciding.

It is an early production: serial number is 4 digits and is something like 1xyz.

The thing is - the front sight is strange. It doesn't look like a factory S&W sight - in fact it is not even attached at the top of the barrel the way most S&W sights are attached. What it looks like is a cylindrical sleeve with a sight similar to a Patridge was slid over the muzzle and then I guess tightened or screwed at the top. I heard someone call it a Pane (or Paine) sight.

Next, the gun is beautifully engraved - but it is very unlikely that it was performed anywhere near the time the gun was produced. My guess would be maybe 50s, 60s, or even 70s. The owner does not know who engraved the revolver. The owner does not wish to remove the grips for fear of cracking or damaging them...oh yes, the Triple Lock comes with genuine pearl grips that are very nice (but not factory - believed to be possibly done by the engraver).

Overall in nice condition (not perfect). I don't now if any other mods were made.

Should I pursue this ?

First thing to do is to go the trouble of getting some pictures. Otherwise we have no real way of knowing what you are talking about.

Second thing is that, as a general rule, aftermarket engraving does
not add any value, and in a lot of cases, takes away a lot of value.

Mike Priwer

On here, guns like that are commonly referred to as 'BBQ Guns'. ie. very fancy looking shooters that you aren't afraid to wear and show off at social gatherings with like-minded friends, but aren't worth a ton. I have an over buffed and refinished (nickeled) 3.5" RM that I made mammoth ivory grips for that fits that description perfectly.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Give us a ball park figure as to what the seller is asking for it

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Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837

The dead serious collectors like Mike generally eschew (I like that word) non-original engraving. Most others value it depending on the quality of work.

For some reason the banded front sight makes me think the work was done in Germany. I just get that in my head thinking about the sight.

The gun is worth what someone will pay for it. If well done I think it's worth more than a plain vanilla example of the same gun but Mike would disagree.

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No life story has happy end.

Sax,

I believe folks have arms engraved for all sorts of reason...I have it done simply at the chargin of the purists. ~smiley~

I remember see some of the SAAs like E.Keith's #5 with a banded front sight.

At Your Service,

Su Amigo
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Possibly useful for comparison is an aftermarket engraving job on a TL. My work, my grip work on grips I had made in Africa in the '50s. I bought it rather tired condition for $135 in '82 gunshow.

Paul

Eschew - hmmm. I hadn't thought of using that word !

You have my attitude pretty much right. I'm not a fan of after-market
engraving, but I did own two K-frames that were after-market engraved
by Alvin White, and that added a lot of value. A lot .

Most guns are plain vanilla examples. In fact, almost all guns are
plain-vanilla examples, in varying condition. One thing about quality
after-market engraving is that the surface condition of the gun has to
be pretty good. For guns that were originally in poor condition, and
then subsequently engraved, a lot of restoration would have been done
- generally. These guns are not worthless, and there is a market for
them, and they can sell for decent money.

Are they worth more than a plain vanilla example, in comparable condition ? I don't think so. To suggest that they are implies that
such engraving will always enhance the value of a gun. I think not.

Having said all of that, my original point was that pictures are needed.
I'm not about to make any judgements regarding an engraved gun that
someone says is beautifully engraved. Its like the comments that
I hear about the condition of a gun : "I'm absolutely certain that
its not refinished." Really !

Regards, Mike Priwer

I would love to include photos ... BUT ... photos are usually not allowed to be taken at gun shows. And I don't think the owner (a dealer) would allow me to photo his gun...

I can say this, this Triple Lock was obtained by the current owner from Butterfield's Feb. 2001 auction in San Francisco. The revolver is pictured in that catalogue. I do not have a copy of that catalogue.

Given the fact that the dealer has not sold that gun for years probably says a lot (he continues to carry it to gun shows he attends). Though for the price he's asking, I thought it was perhaps low (a tad under $2000).

It's nice to see these different views; I do appreciate them. If I can ever get a photo, I will post it.