Should I be concerned about the condition of the grips on my Model 2 Army being too good? The SN is less than 100.

In another post "Need a bunch of help" gmborkovic commented on the condition of the 156 year old rosewood grips on that Model 2 Army as being amazing. My Model 2 has rosewood grips that appear to be even more amazing than those pictured in that post.

I also have the pleasure of owning a Model 1 Second Issue that is ID'd to a civil war soldier. Judging from the general condition of the gun, it appears to have been carried during the war [in a holster]. There is some wear on the left grip, apparently from the flap holster which would have rubbed it during carry. Other than the holster rub on the left, both sides are free of dents, gouges, etc. SN less than 36000

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I was looking at my #2 this morning(first time in some years)and I thought the same thing. The grip finish is outstanding while the bluing has worn and aged to about 30%
Mike

Do you see the SN in pencil on the inside(s) of the panel? Hard to argue they are not original if so, but wood can be refinished.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Mr. OP, they do look outstanding. Working off of two pics is a bit of a challenge. There are a few spots I would look at if I had it in my hands.
Compare it to some other examples at a show or gun meeting. To pass a decision now, for me would be pretentious. If others wish to cast a decision, so be it. You have a nice gun that survived. Best to you.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I believe the stocks are rosewood (or some other type of dense hardwood) and considering their small size, it really isn't surprising they hold up quite well. You'll note all kinds of the smaller wood grips on antiques seem to maintain good condition compared to the much larger grips of later years which are prone to attracting dents, dings and other damage due to their bulk.

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SWHF #448

I have a number of guns from this age range and many have very nice rosewood grips and finish that is similar to yours. The finish used holds up very well. If it were mine I would not question them, if numbered inside there's your proof. If they were refinished the fit would no longer be perfect and there are usually underlying stains present.

Thanks for the replies. I enjoy learning more and more about my Model 1 2nd and 2.

I didn't think of it, but SN in the inside grip does match. So I guess I am OK. If refinished, it appears it would have been a log time ago. I don't think so.

I am curious abut the comment "...SN in pencil on the inside(s) of the panel..." When you say "panel" are to talking about the grip? The grip is stamped with the SN, but I don' t remember a pencil marking.

I believe they are rosewood and the serial # should be STAMPED inside the right panel.

Early S&Ws, Models 1, 1 1/2, 2s, etc. often have wood stocks that are in excellent condition despite obvious wear on the metal parts of the gun. Most of them are Rosewood and the lacquer applied when the gun was assembled apparently was of very high quality, contributing to the preservation of the original appearance. Ed.

Yes, panel is the grip. The question of stamped or penciled Sn. is rather interesting. Some of the ones penciled were from the 1920s. I have black and red with stamped numbers. My Mod-1s are all stamped. #2s are all gone for now.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

All tip-up models had stamped serial numbers on rosewood stocks.

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Gary
SWCA 2515