Two photos from Evaluators Ltd. Written on the back of one of them is “ Full Engraving by the Old Master at the Smith & Wesson plant-Matched Engraving “.
According to the hand written note this is a pair of Combat Masterpiece revolvers, one in .22 and one in .38. I’m guessing early 1950’s.
Here’s what I know about engraved revolvers- they have been engraved.
So you all tell me-are these in the white ? Anybody recognize either one ? Who was the old master engraver back then ?
Is this just an unnecessary tease ?
If you happen to have one or both of these I’ll send you the photos.
Regards,
turnerriver

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turnerriver

I'd certainly think they are both nickel plated, John. Depending on the s/n ranges, if actually early 1950's, they were most likely done by Harry Jarvis. He was the 'old' master engraver at that time, both in age and service with the company.

DC

I agree with David - factory, nickel, Jarvis, 1950's. I would love to know where they ended up.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Fabulous history. Thanks for sharing.

As an aside...

George and Flora Mason (middle name, not maiden name) Van Orden owned Evaluators Limited in Triangle, Virginia (it's often mistakenly identified as being in neighboring Quantico, VA).

According to Flora and George's daughter -- also Flora Van Orden -- in her posts on this forum, Flora Mason was great friends with S&W president Carl Hellstrom and she "designed" the .38 Combat Masterpiece. Documentation? Probably no more than the daughter's post, here, but it tracks that they would have offered these two very special revolvers in their exclusive shop.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob