Triple lock resque-update

Glashaus · #51 06-16-2018, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy52

Picked up the TL today it's extremely dirty so next it gets a good cleaning. The best I can tell it hasn't been refinished there's no B stamped on it anywhere. The roll marks are pretty clear considering it's age and condition. Here's a few pics and the last one is rather interesting. While inspecting the gun I noticed some additional stamps on the butt right below the serial number, it appears to be ODIN ALEX VA. what that means I have no idea.

ODIN, that takes me back! Yes they were importers of firearms that had been confiscated in Mexico in the early 1980’s. I grew up and lived in NOVA and had a couple of ODIN imported guns, one was a four inch Python that had been hard chromed, one side of that Python was perfect, the other had severe road rash, like it had slid out of a car at 40 MPH, price was right though!

andy52 · #52 06-16-2018, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcvs

Agreed! I am fairly certain this one is not refinished, and it looks like the nickel should on a well used specimen. The "TRADE" as located on the sideplate appears a little weak, but all other markings, especially the barrel markings, are quite crisp. So I suggest that the "TRADE" might be a little weak compared to other examples, but not because of previous polishing and refinishing.

Clean it and apply Renaissance wax. That's it! Because this has an unusual and original 5" barrel, it should be left as is, original. Of course, this would be the case if this had a standard barrel length, but the case for maintaining originality is enhanced due to the scarcity of Triple Lock revolvers with original 5" barrels.

Please post your letter once received.

I will post the letter when I receive it I'll probably send off the form Monday.
Now that I've seen the TL I'm leaning to not refinishing it, once I get the crusty built up oil cleaned off I'm thinking it will look just fine. The plastic Franzite grips got to go, I haven't found any to replace them yet but I will sooner or later.

The Gila Bender · #53 07-18-2018, 10:31 PM

I've gone down the "rescue" road a few times with firearms, automobiles, and real estate. I'll stick with Smith & Wesson .44's. They're easier to manage and don't have accountants and clients attached. And, they're mine to hold and cherish.

usmc2427765 · #54 07-18-2018, 11:16 PM

This is one that could tell a story. This revolver did not spend it's life in someones desk drawer or night stand and may have been the " big dog" in a fight or two. I assume you will letter it?

Tom K · #55 07-19-2018, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcvs

....
I would get a proper set of N frame grips with medallions that reflect the condition of this gun. Should cost you (well) under $100. I did this to one I own almost identical to yours except with an original 4" barrel and it greatly improved the appearance. Given that you cannot harm mine, and this is the case with yours, and mine has a short(er) barrel, this is my concealed carry piece.

If you can tell me where to get vintage grips for a Triple Lock anywhere near $100 I'd appreciate it.

mrcvs · #56 07-19-2018, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

If you can tell me where to get vintage grips for a Triple Lock anywhere near $100 I'd appreciate it.

Try ebay. A set of pristine grips will run $200 or more. You want well used. These are found in the price range I suggested. You want to search for N frame wood grips and make sure they have the gold medallions. Also can check the ads in this forum or post one yourself on this forum describing what you are seeking.

Hondo44 · #57 07-19-2018, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

If you can tell me where to get vintage grips for a Triple Lock anywhere near $100 I'd appreciate it.

Tom,

For the correct vintage grips for a TL, you first need to get a letter which will indicate.

Those TLs shipped 1908 thru sometime in 1910 will not have gold medallions, just a cocave flattened area where the medallions were installed from 1910 to ~1920 on all frame sizes with walnut checkered stocks.

The hardest to find are the early stocks w/o medallions; only a couple thousand in the N frame size were made. Gold medallion stocks are not hard to find since about 90,000 were produced. There's two pair on a popular internet auction as I post this.

andy52 · #58 07-19-2018, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmc2427765

This is one that could tell a story. This revolver did not spend it's life in someones desk drawer or night stand and may have been the " big dog" in a fight or two. I assume you will letter it?

Absolutely could have been in a gun fight sometimes in it's life and very likely that it was. I posted the results of the letter and info that I've found a few days ago.

mrcvs · #59 07-19-2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

Tom,

For the correct vintage grips for a TL, you first need to get a letter which will indicate.

Those TLs shipped 1908 thru sometime in 1910 will not have gold medallions, just a cocave flattened area where the medallions were installed from 1910 to ~1920 on all frame sizes with walnut checkered stocks.

The hardest to find are the early stocks w/o medallions; only a couple thousand in the N frame size were made. Gold medallion stocks are not hard to find since about 90,000 were produced. There's two pair on a popular internet auction as I post this.

Correct! Triple Locks produced generally pre mid 1910 did not have medallions. They are rarer than hen's teeth!

The ones with medallions, as described above, are much more common.

Note that you will find later N frame grips without medallions that are convex in this area. These are much more common and not to be confused with their earlier and much rarer concave cousins.

merl67 · #60 07-19-2018, 01:00 PM

A set of grips like this might look ok.