Model 66 - "Special Engraved Variation" Combat Magnum

RKmesa · #1 11-04-2015, 12:13 AM

This Model 66 shipped from the factory in March 1975. I believe it was engraved by Russ Smith and its engraving pattern is very similar to a Model 29-2 that I have in my collection (see post 8 below for photo comparison and let me know what you think).

The Combat Magnum is still one of my favorite examples of S&W engineering. The engraving on this one makes it even more favorite...

bigmoose · #2 11-04-2015, 12:17 AM

Extremely nice revolver. What an amazing work of art. Great photos too.

chief38 · #3 11-04-2015, 04:22 AM

YEA, but it's all scratched up!

Quite nice!

Big Cholla · #4 11-04-2015, 04:38 AM

What an absolute wonderful piece of art! Superb workmanship and artistic layout. I think this is an example of the best! ............

scooter123 · #5 11-04-2015, 07:41 AM

If I'm not mistaken that is a Stainless Combat Magnum, otherwise known as a model 66 No Dash. Bet that the man who did the engraving spent nearly as much time sharpening his tools as he did doing the carving, because Stainless Steel dulls cutting tools a lot more quickly than mild steel. While not my cup of tea due to the cost I do like looking at engraved firearms and that is a very well done job of engraving. Thanks for posting the pics.

RKmesa · #6 11-04-2015, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

If I'm not mistaken that is a Stainless Combat Magnum, otherwise known as a model 66 No Dash.

You nailed it - it is an early Model 66. I'll edit the description to clarify that important point.

Thanks,

OldRook · #7 11-04-2015, 02:12 PM

Thank you for sharing that beautiful revolver.

RKmesa · #8 11-05-2015, 12:05 AM

I believe that these two guns, which shipped in the same time frame, were both engraved by Russ Smith. At the very least, I believe they were engraved by the same engraver...

What do you think?

colt_saa · #9 11-05-2015, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKmesa

What do you think?

I think I need a second job

Doc44 · #10 11-05-2015, 10:14 AM

Possibly engraved by Tom Freyburger?

Bill

H Richard · #11 11-05-2015, 11:12 AM

I see subtle differences, both beautiful. I'm think two different interpretations of the same pattern by similarly trained engravers? I'd be pleased to have either one or both.

srsmyth · #12 11-05-2015, 11:40 AM

A gorgeous 66 and great pictures too. I need an engraved 4" and a 6" like that, I only have a 2.5". Thanks for posting your pictures.
Steve

jdlii · #13 11-05-2015, 11:41 AM

Beautimous!

I recall, back in 74' or 75', walking into a "new" gun shop that would have been, at that time, on the outskirts of Nashville. It was located in an old house and had more S & W engraved revolvers than I had ever seen before or since that time.

I remember inquiring as to the difference in the engraving because some had full coverage and some didn't. It was quite an education and as an undergraduate student, all I could do was to look and drool!

RKmesa · #14 11-05-2015, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

Possibly engraved by Tom Freyburger?

Bill:

I sent Tom photos of both of these guns and called him to talk about them (BTW - he is a great guy and has provided me letters on several of the guns that he engraved - for a very reasonable fee). These two guns were engraved when Tom worked at the factory and he stated that they were not engraved by him, but that he believed that they were engraved by Russ Smith, who was the other engraver at the Factory at the time. Hence my belief that they were engraved by Russ.

I wish that I could confirm with Russ himself, as the symmetry of the pattern, the coverage, the general artistic quality of the layout, and the execution on these two is a favorite of mine.