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Old 04-16-2018, 04:02 PM
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Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA  
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Default Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA

I just purchased this at a local gun show. It is a nickel plated Model 1 1/2 S/A . Caliber is 32 S&W. Serial # 43660. It came with MOP grips and a wooden case. I removed grips and found letters stamped on the left side of the frame. Here is the writing.
ENGRAV A
Under that is the letters or maybe initials. JHP. There is more writing but hard to make out
[ATTACH]336141
Will try to attach photo.
Walt
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Old 04-16-2018, 04:07 PM
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Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA  
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Photo of frame and lettering
Model 1 1.5 markings.jpg

Walt
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Old 04-16-2018, 05:03 PM
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Hi, Walt. The digital images aren't quite clear enough to make an accurate evaluation of originality however, from the photo of the butt it seems it has been refinished. Hope you didn't pay too much for it. If you can take some well focused, close up photos in natural daylight might help the crew here make a fair assessment of what you have there.

I've never before seen a factory engraved, period piece, such as the one you present, with makings as you show "ENGRAV A" etc.

From the appearance of the mainspring and tensioner screw it appears as though it may have gone through a restoration process. Discovering "who" may have done the restoration could enhance the value (over just a refinished piece).
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Old 04-16-2018, 05:39 PM
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Model3sw
I haven't seen that type of marking either that is one reason for the post. I am going to letter it and see what happens. The engraving is sharp and crisp and may be to good. I do appreciate your opinion.
Walt
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Old 04-20-2018, 05:54 PM
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To me, it has the appearance of a dealer or owner casing, not necessarily of the period. No factory connection to the case or the engraving and that may have been "freshened" in recent times. I betting the letter will say it was shipped as a plain gun to a distributor. Ed.
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Old 04-20-2018, 06:04 PM
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opoefc
I think you are correct, That was my original thought and the reason I posted it. I wanted to see what the experts would think.
I am still learning

Walt
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Old 04-20-2018, 06:57 PM
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Whatever the facts, it's beautiful gun.
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Old 01-24-2020, 11:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jtown View Post
I just purchased this at a local gun show. It is a nickel plated Model 1 1/2 S/A . Caliber is 32 S&W. Serial # 43660. It came with MOP grips and a wooden case. I removed grips and found letters stamped on the left side of the frame. Here is the writing.
ENGRAV A
Under that is the letters or maybe initials. JHP. There is more writing but hard to make out
[ATTACH]336141
Will try to attach photo.
Walt
Found one much like this one, looking for the same information. I'll be following this discussion closely. Beautiful Gun!
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Old 01-24-2020, 11:38 AM
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Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA  
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I have always thought the engraving coverage used Supica/Nahas book was an offical factory designation? SCSW4 lists an A style engraving noted that is 75% coverage which looks much like the OPs gun? I think that these letters were also used in some S&W catalogs as well??
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Old 01-24-2020, 04:15 PM
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Default Contract engraving

Lovely cased 1 1/2 Walt.
Sure would appreciate it if you could present a better photo of the markings on the frame and signature of engraver?

I’m just expressing my experience here so please have an open mind. Ive seen several contract engravings where the engraver actually signs their work. Extremely common with European engravings. It’s actually not uncommon around the turn of the century in the US. and some of the work is impeccable!

I don’t have my notes with me but many of these engravers are known and documented. Not unlike paintings. In many cases collectors go nuts over them. Sort of like a work of art performed not at the factory but by some individual that made a name for himself by the high quality of the engraving and because he signed his work! Which collectors also appreciate!

I have a Colt Lightning about 1902 that has gorgeous engraving that was done and signed by a known artist and documented artist. His name escapes me. I’ll look it up when I get home but it’s something to consider regarding this cased example. Often times the value can increase because of who engraved the gun and a timeline of the work! This forum seems to focus on factory work which to me is only a small part of the historical picture.
A contract engraving that was done 5 years ago might not enhance the value much but if it was done in say 1920 by a known engraver?( now often labeled contemporary “ Artist”) It actually might be worth more than a factory engraved gun!

** Its just my opinion but I honestly think engraved guns are a part of collecting that is no where near optimum value. So many avenues have yet to be well documented.

Murph

Last edited by BMur; 01-24-2020 at 04:33 PM.
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Old 01-24-2020, 08:34 PM
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Thanks to everyone for their comments. I am not home right now but will try to take some better photos when I get back.
Walt
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Old 01-26-2020, 04:00 PM
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Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA  
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Some new photos
Walt
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File Type: jpg IMG_1099.JPG (118.1 KB, 41 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1106.JPG (106.7 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1082 (2).JPG (126.8 KB, 49 views)
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Old 01-26-2020, 07:41 PM
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Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA Engraved 32 S&W Model 1 1/2 SA  
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That is very nice.
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Old 01-26-2020, 08:14 PM
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Yes! Nice revolver. The work is contemporary and done by J. P., Fort Worth, Texas. Try Googling the initials.
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Old 01-27-2020, 12:24 AM
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Default Broaden the Antique Horizon?

There are many Contemporary Artist/Engravers out there now it seems. Some are so good that it's very difficult to tell it's not Victorian Era work.

It would be nice though to see these Contemporary Artists apply their own designs and talent to the Palette? Instead of attempting to re-create Antique Art? I think the Antique Market would find this much more appealing? I'd bet it would sell also!

*** Here is the Colt Lightning I mentioned Walt. I purchased it many years ago. It was engraved in the early 1900's and the engraver also signed his work (Still trying to find my notes on this one). It's not Factory, nor is it Distributor contract engraving. It was done by an individual with pure talent in my opinion. I'll let you decide. Imagine if talented folks out there performed this type of engraving? I'm pretty sure it would sell. In my opinion it would give the Antique market a needed boost!


Murph
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File Type: jpeg CC5B43C0-DC2E-4E81-ACEF-FA65B59F50B0.jpeg (126.4 KB, 23 views)
File Type: jpeg FEA31EE0-C5A2-4C63-BA32-1A9E76249536.jpeg (133.3 KB, 24 views)

Last edited by BMur; 01-27-2020 at 12:54 AM.
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Old 01-27-2020, 11:03 AM
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BMur, Nice gun, beautiful engraving. You wouldn't want to swap, would you? LOL
Walt
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Old 01-27-2020, 11:10 AM
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Mike
I tried to goggle the initials and had no results.
Thank you.
Walt
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