38/44 With Factory Ivories?

[delta-419]

There has been a lot written on impulse buying on this forum, I must admit that this purchase was just that. Basically, I bought a set of ivory grips with a gun attached. This is a prewar 38/44 but the ivory grips look factory and the wear looks to be of the same timeline as the gun. The gun was on GB and most of the time I would have passed on it. Owner says it in perfect mechanical condition. Finish is trash. It does not appear refinished, but poorly stored. There is an odd symbol (scrimshawed?) on the lower part of each grip??? Does anyone guess as to the value of the ivory grips? I have not received the gun as yet but will take better photos when it arrives and post the serial number. The grips have boosted my curiosity, first 38/44 I have seen with the large silver medallions. Appreciate you comments.

Up Date: My request for a historical letter from Mr. Jinks has been answered. The gun with serial number 43103 was shipped from the factory on 8 June 1934 to J. M. Nieto Company, Anasco, Puerto Rico in a shipment of two 38/44s and several other guns. It letters as a 5" nickel revolver with checkered walnut grips. The letter states that the ivory grips are aftermarket addons. I suspect that they were on a much earlier N frame gun. Now to find out more about the Nieto Company.

 

[ar33]

Impulse or not, I bet that will make a fine shooter with cool ivories to boot! It's a very neat one to add to a collection. As a guy who value shooters, HD's, and ivories that's a cool gun.

 

[Art Doc]

I'm no expert but I imagine the only way to know for sure is to drop the $50 on the letter and hope it mentions the stocks. It's not impossible for them to factory original options but odds are they are not. Would certainly enhance the value if you can document that they are. Good luck.

 

[beagleye]

What's the serial range, can't quite make it out. I have a very similar one, man what a shooter!! Regular 38 special shoots way high but 12 grains of 2400 under 158 grain SWC bullets drills em dead center, vicious. I am hoping to try it on deer this year.

 

[lawandorder]

Thanks for buying it and removing the temptation from in front of us.

I am sure not an expert but I would bet those are factory ivories.
Looking forward to hearing about the letter.

 

[delta-419]

Butt Photo

I have been trying to read the serial as well from the murkey photo, best guess is 43508. Anybody with better eyes!

 

[handejector]

You stole that gun.
I can't see any signs of a refinish, and pre-war nickel HD's are very, very scarce. Rare would fit.
The grips look like factory ivories I have had.
I believe those medallions are recessed gold, not silver.
Post better pics when you get it, and also show the insides.

 

[handejector]

There is an odd symbol (scrimshawed?) on the lower part of each grip???

Is that a stylized T and H ????
Yikes- you've found Tom Horn's pistol!!!!!!

orrrrrrr
maybe........
Teddy Hoosevelt

 

[GLL]

It will be interesting to hear what Roy has to say !

Jerry

 

[DCWilson]

What a great find!

The incised work is very nice, but I don't actually see initials buried in it. It may be just ornamental design.

Are the medallions the large dished type? If so the ivories are likely to be somewhat older than the gun. This 1932 OD came to me with these dished gold medallion ivory stocks, but the letter said the gun shipped with checkered walnut stocks.

I won't guess the value of old factory ivories, but it has to be substantial -- possibly as much as the gun they are attached to. (Or maybe not quite as much since the prewar nickel HDs are not commonly seen.)

Looks to me like the serial number begins with 42, which could point to a 1933 or 1934 ship date.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Ibelieve the serial number is 43103. I too will be interested to see if it did leave with ivory grips! Probably a 1934 gun. Nickel HDs were about 11% of pre war production.
Bill

 

[bshepherd]

It's hard to tell on the inscription/logo, but looks a bit like a Scottish Clan insignia. May be too worn to tell which one.

 

[Cavaliere]

It's hard to tell on the inscription/logo, but looks a bit like a Scottish Clan insignia. May be too worn to tell which one.

No, it's not the "strap and buckle" associated with clan badges (and the Order of the Garter). The cartouche is vaguely chanfron shaped, but from what I can make out lacks any proper heraldic elements. I'd love to see it filled in with a black china marker-- my guess is that it's a '20s-'30s art deco motif, the significance of which is (perhaps) lost in the mists of time.

 

[delta-419]

New Photos and Update

The 38/44 arrived yesterday and I took some clear photos that solved the mystery of the logo on the grips. It is a stylized monogram. Hand Ejector was 100% when he called it "TH", looks almost like an old west brand. The shroud has an "N" before the serial number. The gun is almost like new mechanically, not even any wear on the hammer thumb piece. Very poor storage did a job on it. Bore and chambers are bright. Can not wait to see how she shoots.

 

[delta-419]

More Photos

The letter to Mr. Jinks went out today, hope the ivory grips letter to the gun!

 

[Iggy]

I don't think it is an actual "western brand." Anything that ornate and compact would just burn a blob on a critter.
Durn sure a neat ol gun, and that's plumb center.

 

[Jack Flash]

In the first few photos, I thought that the mark on the ivory dimenished the value. Seeing the sharper picture change my opinion. Those really look great. Whomever did the work was no hack, no sir!

 

[delta-419]

And The Rest Of The Photos

 

[steveno]

looks like it could be a "coat of arms" for some family.

 

[AKtinman]

Very nice package!

The styling of the initials reminded me of my great-grandfather's Elgin pocket watch, presented to him in the mid-1930's after serving on a school board.

His initials were JCC

It will be interesting to see what Roy says.