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08-08-2022, 03:16 PM
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Thoughts on value - engraved model 60 with custom Jerry Evans grips
Hello:
I'm working on the collection from my stepfather. This is a very interesting model 60, round butt, with these notes with the gun:
"Model 60 3rd model with special grips by Jerry Evans". I can't tell the material for sure - ivory?
"Custom honed inside, polished after engraving"
It's an absolute beauty. I'm attaching photos but here is a link to very detailed photos. I'd very much appreciate any thoughts/commentary regarding provenance and value. Is it worth getting a factory letter on this one?
Here's the dropbox link for detailed photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f4rn1...tjos9v498bj1x3
Last edited by mturnerb; 08-08-2022 at 05:02 PM.
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08-08-2022, 03:23 PM
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Here's the little label with note about the grips. The handwriting appears to be the original owner's - my stepfather, Jack Swinney.
Jack passed away 30 years ago so I can't ask him, but I did find a couple of internet references to custom grips by Jerry Evans.
Last edited by mturnerb; 08-08-2022 at 06:04 PM.
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08-08-2022, 06:03 PM
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Ok, so I like all four! All are nicely done and I'd be happy to own any of them. Looking forward to comments from our more knowledgeable engraved gun collectors.
Jeff
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08-08-2022, 06:42 PM
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Very nice indeed. The stocks look like ivory to me. Maybe RK Mesa can shed some light on the engraver.
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08-09-2022, 08:20 AM
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The ivory stocks do add some value, so this Model 60 would be in the $3,500 range for me.
Bill
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08-09-2022, 11:29 AM
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I'm leaning towards ivory on the grips. A bit hard to tell without handling and a closer inspection.
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08-09-2022, 11:44 AM
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Inside grip photos. Looks like ivory to me based on pulling the grips.
Not sure what if any meaning the markings have.
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08-09-2022, 11:45 AM
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All four of your stepfather's Model 60s are gorgeous.
I've been trying to comprehend his note on the disk for the grips. The serial number is from the Model 60 sixth production run, which shipped primarily in 1968.
The first two production runs were bright polished stainless steel, including the hammer and trigger, which S&W Historian Dr. Roy Jinks said, "were not sufficiently hardened."
The third production run saw the finish change from bright polished to satin and the hammers and triggers were case hardened, which produced a dark color.
During the third production run S&W changed from case hardened hammers and triggers to heat treated stainless steel that was then flash chromed, which became the standard for S&W stainless steel revolvers.
The only thing I can think your stepfather meant by "third model" was the satin finish with heat treated then flash chromed hammer and trigger, which does make some sense.
I'm not an engraved revolver collector, but from ones I've seen I believe Doc44 gave you the best guidance anyone might offer on the subject.
Regarding your last post...
The five-digit number at the bottom of the grip frame is an assembly number. You'll find the same number stamped on the yoke (the hinge that allows the cylinder to roll out for loading), and on the inside of the side plate, which I don't recommend you remove just to see the number. The assembly numbers were stamped on those pieces so they could be brought back together at the end of the manufacturing process for the final assembly.
The other seemingly odd and jumbled stampings on the grip frame are inspectors marks.
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Last edited by two-bit cowboy; 08-09-2022 at 11:51 AM.
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08-09-2022, 12:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy
All four of your stepfather's Model 60s are gorgeous.
I've been trying to comprehend his note on the disk for the grips. The serial number is from the Model 60 sixth production run, which shipped primarily in 1968.
The first two production runs were bright polished stainless steel, including the hammer and trigger, which S&W Historian Dr. Roy Jinks said, "were not sufficiently hardened."
The third production run saw the finish change from bright polished to satin and the hammers and triggers were case hardened, which produced a dark color.
During the third production run S&W changed from case hardened hammers and triggers to heat treated stainless steel that was then flash chromed, which became the standard for S&W stainless steel revolvers.
The only thing I can think your stepfather meant by "third model" was the satin finish with heat treated then flash chromed hammer and trigger, which does make some sense.
I'm not an engraved revolver collector, but from ones I've seen I believe Doc44 gave you the best guidance anyone might offer on the subject.
Regarding your last post...
The five-digit number at the bottom of the grip frame is an assembly number. You'll find the same number stamped on the yoke (the hinge that allows the cylinder to roll out for loading), and on the inside of the side plate, which I don't recommend you remove just to see the number. The assembly numbers were stamped on those pieces so they could be brought back together at the end of the manufacturing process for the final assembly.
The other seemingly odd and jumbled stampings on the grip frame are inspectors marks.
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This is immensely helpful information - thank you.
It's entirely possible the note is from someone else. Like much history, seen through a glass, darkly. My mom had a few helpers with the collection after Jack passed so it could be someone else's note. I'll have to ask her if she recognizes the handwriting - I assumed it was his but could be wrong...
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08-10-2022, 08:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mturnerb
This is a very interesting model 60, round butt, with these notes with the gun:
"Model 60 3rd model with special grips by Jerry Evans". I can't tell the material for sure - ivory?
"Custom honed inside, polished after engraving"
It's an absolute beauty. I'm attaching photos but here is a link to very detailed photos. I'd very much appreciate any thoughts/commentary regarding provenance and value. Is it worth getting a factory letter on this one?
 |
Very nice Model 60. 
And has been said above, the grips are ivory. I like the engraving. The pattern and style on this one are consistent with a Model 19 that I own (shipped March 1969).
Unfortunately, I have never figured out who engraved this one as there are no engraver marks on it. But based on some input from KSK, I am leaning towards Hiroo Sugaya, a European trained engraver who engraved for R.E.I. of Park Ridge, IL in the late 1960s and early 70s. Let me know if you find any marks that would give us an indication on the engraver of that Model 60.
As to value, I would expect to see that little guy sell for between $2,500 and $4,000. The range depends on where it is sold (well advertised auction vs gun show, vs private party to private party). My experience is that engraved stainless usually sells for slightly less than a similarly engraved blue gun. Also, it is my experience that engraved J-Frame guns usually sell for less than a similarly engraved K or N Frame gun.
Thanks for sharing,
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Richard
Engraved S&W fan
Last edited by RKmesa; 08-10-2022 at 10:09 AM.
Reason: Added some additional info
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08-10-2022, 10:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RKmesa
Very nice Model 60.
And has been said above, the grips are ivory. I like the engraving. The pattern and style on this one are consistent with a Model 19 that I own (shipped March 1969).
Unfortunately, I have never figured out who engraved this one as there are no engraver marks on it. But based on some input from KSK, I am leaning towards Hiroo Sugaya, a European trained engraver who engraved for R.E.I. of Park Ridge, IL in the late 1960s and early 70s. Let me know if you find any marks that would give us an indication on the engraver of that Model 60.
As to value, I would expect to see that little guy sell for between $2,500 and $4,000. The range depends on where it is sold (well advertised auction vs gun show, vs private party to private party). My experience is that engraved stainless usually sells for slightly less than a similarly engraved blue gun. Also, it is my experience that engraved J-Frame guns usually sell for less than a similarly engraved K or N Frame gun.
Thanks for sharing,
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Thank you very much. Where to look for marks other than grip frame?
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08-10-2022, 10:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mturnerb
Thank you very much. Where to look for marks other than grip frame?
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They could be anywhere on the gun - under the thumb release, worked into the engraving somewhere, really anywhere...
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Richard
Engraved S&W fan
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