Factory Engraved

[Rambler1]

I had a question about factory engraved S&Ws. Do they have any markings like Colt. Is there a type of engraving design that is "factory." I am very familiar with Colt, but would like to acquire a S&W Factory engraved gun.
Thanks,
Rambler1

[Doc44]

S&W does not have markings like an engraved Colt revolver and the style of engraving varies with the factory engraver performing the work. S&W has three levels of coverage, namely, A, B, and C (A is full coverage and C is the least coverage). Almost without exception, factory engraved revolvers, particularly N and K frames, will have the small S&W logo roll marked on the left side of the frame under the cylinder release latch.

Beginning in the late 1970s, S&W, in order to keep up with demand, contracted engraving to a firm in Italy. While nicely done, these guns each a similar style of engraving that is very recognizable once you have examined a couple. These are factory engraved guns and letter as such, but are not valued as highly as those engraved by artisans actually working at the factory.

If you are offered an engraved gun that is represented as factory engraved, first look for the small logo on the left side of the frame, and second, ask if the gun has a factory letter verifying it was shipped as an engraved firearm. If it does not, only purchase it with the provision that it "letters".

Bill

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks, Bill, for your explanation of the Italian contract.

Here are examples to show what you're talking about.

My blue Model 36 Chiefs Special shipped as 1 of 11 "in this configuration," according to Roy's letter, on September 17, 1981, to John Jovino in NYC.

The stainless steel Model 60 Chiefs Special recently sold on the big auction site (seller's photo). It lettered as shipped to Jovino on October 13, 1981.

[vrichard]

66-1 class A engraved.
Dick