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03-07-2009, 08:49 AM
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Class A+ engraved in 1960, this 44 Magnum, S196691 (high serial number for a revolver with no model number), was shipped in 1965 when S&W reduced their inventory of engraved revolvers. It is virtually new in the clamshell presenation case. The smooth stocks are made of rosewood.
Bill
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03-07-2009, 08:49 AM
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Class A+ engraved in 1960, this 44 Magnum, S196691 (high serial number for a revolver with no model number), was shipped in 1965 when S&W reduced their inventory of engraved revolvers. It is virtually new in the clamshell presenation case. The smooth stocks are made of rosewood.
Bill
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03-07-2009, 09:46 AM
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WOW!!!
It makes my A engraved 629 look like a "C"
Thanks for the pic.....Notime2
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03-07-2009, 10:43 AM
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There must be a reason why God doesn't want me to have things like this.
You posted another engraved gun that was shipped much later than the serial would suggest. Did guns sent for engraving tend to set around in the shop for extended periods of time or did the engraving take that long to complete?
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03-07-2009, 11:14 AM
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This particular revolver was kept in the factory collection for about five years before being sold. It was most likely displayed at S&W during that time, or used as a show sample.
Bill
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03-07-2009, 12:10 PM
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Whimper!! Man that's purty!!!
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03-07-2009, 01:32 PM
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Nothing but CLASS, Bill
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03-07-2009, 01:38 PM
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What a Beauty! Did you use to work on the 44 mag assembly line
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03-07-2009, 04:01 PM
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"There must be a reason why God doesn't want me to have things like this."
I feel your pain.
I get excited over a scratched-up model 10.
Exquisite :
marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution <an exquisite vase> b: marked by nice discrimination, deep sensitivity, or subtle understanding <exquisite taste> c: accomplished , perfected <an exquisite gentleman
That pretty much sums up Doc44's revolvers.
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03-07-2009, 04:49 PM
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Very beautiful and very tastefully done, I have never seen one in person but after seeing your picture I am impressed, its real eye candy.
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03-07-2009, 06:00 PM
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Hi Bill:
Really great gun! Mr. Smith engraving??? I think the late '50's and early '60's engraved 29's are much better engraving than most first or second year guns I have seen. (Most of what I have seen you have owned!) It seems that a lot of the guns were almost A+ engraved.
Bob
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03-08-2009, 02:28 AM
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WOW! That's A+ all right -- about the nicest engraved revolver I've seen!
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03-08-2009, 05:21 AM
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Beautiful gun as usual Doc.
Thanks again for posting pictures.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
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03-08-2009, 03:28 PM
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Bill,
the design and style are extraordinary....intricate and delicate, yet complete. I love it.... who did the engraving?
Terry
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03-08-2009, 03:53 PM
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Terry...based on guns with similar engraving, I would say it is the work of Russ Smith.
Bill
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03-08-2009, 04:13 PM
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Bill, do you find it any more difficult to keep your engraved guns clean, with all the little nooks and cranny's, than a non engraved gun? I mean what ever you use, does it tend to build up or be more difficult to remove from the art work?
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03-08-2009, 04:42 PM
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Not really, since I don't shoot them. However, if I need to clean them, I use Clenzoil with a soft toothbrush. I then wipe the revolver off with a clean T-shirt. Works just fine.
I lightly "cleaned" the one in the photo this way before I photographed it and it turned out very well. It was not very "dirty" to begin with since it had not been fired since leaving S&W (or, at least I don't think it was).
Bill
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03-08-2009, 05:04 PM
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I know that you don't fire a lot of these fine weapons, I should have been more clear. I was referring to routine normal cleaning and wipe downs. Sorry for the poor way I asked it.
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03-09-2009, 10:38 AM
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Doc, In your opinion or guesstimate, how long does it take an artist to create a gem like this?
Bob
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03-09-2009, 02:23 PM
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I would estimate between 120 and 150 hours of actual engraving time. I don't know how many days those hours would be spread over.
Bill
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03-09-2009, 02:32 PM
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Dayum Bill another sweet gun!!
How does one get to be in your will???
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03-09-2009, 03:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Doc44:
I would estimate between 120 and 150 hours of actual engraving time. I don't know how many days those hours would be spread over.
Bill
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Thanks Bill. I find that time incredible. Chisel and mallet!!!! I have no standards to measure that. Lord love a duck.
Bob
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10-15-2016, 02:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
Class A+ engraved in 1960, this 44 Magnum, S196691 (high serial number for a revolver with no model number), was shipped in 1965 when S&W reduced their inventory of engraved revolvers. It is virtually new in the clamshell presenation case. The smooth stocks are made of rosewood.
Bill
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Bill:
Did you ever determine that it was R. Smith that engraved this beauty? It has some qualities (very fine detailed engraving in tight spaces) of Mr. Rentzschke's work... I really love the cylinder work...WoW!! If that is Russ Smith, I believe that it is one of his very finest pieces...
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Last edited by RKmesa; 10-15-2016 at 02:34 AM.
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10-15-2016, 07:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
I would estimate between 120 and 150 hours of actual engraving time. I don't know how many days those hours would be spread over.
Bill
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Fantastic gun.....like all Doc44's are! I must have missed it's original posting years ago. I find the time estimate fascinating.
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10-15-2016, 09:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
Class A+ engraved in 1960, this 44 Magnum, S196691 (high serial number for a revolver with no model number), was shipped in 1965 when S&W reduced their inventory of engraved revolvers. It is virtually new in the clamshell presenation case. The smooth stocks are made of rosewood.
Bill
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I really like the serial number. The engraving is not the only thing that's special about that gun, but that engraving is spectacular. You do have a knack for finding the creme de la creme!
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10-15-2016, 11:19 PM
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So, Doc... do you still own this beauty, or is that a stupid question?
I can only think of one improvement and that would be some very tasteful gold line work.
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10-17-2016, 06:31 PM
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I still have this 44 in my collection and have confirmed it was engraved by Russ Smith.
Bill
Last edited by Doc44; 10-17-2016 at 11:48 PM.
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10-17-2016, 11:44 PM
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Oh, my, my, my... <sigh>
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10-17-2016, 11:54 PM
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That revolver is beautiful beyond words and the engraving work is flawless.
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10-19-2016, 04:53 PM
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Exquisite!
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