Smith & Wesson patented Grips?

BMur · Oct 1, 2020

While conducting box research I stumbled on this patent stamped set of grips that are original. They look original to me anyway. The grips are on a 32 DA Top break model 3 I believe. I personally have never seen this before. So, I'd like to avoid a patent search if possible so I don't have to spend hours looking up the patent? I was wondering if anyone else has seen this or knows of a quick reference for this patent? Maybe a patent number? Its' not in any of my Smith & Wesson books or reference material. I had no idea that Smith & Wesson actually patented their grip designs?

Murph

first-model · Oct 1, 2020

BMur said:
While conducting box research I stumbled on this patent stamped set of grips that are original. They look original to me anyway. The grips are on a 32 DA Top break model 3 I believe. I personally have never seen this before. So, I'd like to avoid a patent search if possible so I don't have to spend hours looking up the patent? I was wondering if anyone else has seen this or knows of a quick reference for this patent? Maybe a patent number? Its' not in any of my Smith & Wesson books or reference material. I had no idea that Smith & Wesson actually patented their grip designs?

These are called design patents. Slightly different from a regular patent in that a design patent covers ornamentation instead of function.

I believe the three design patents that I've attached are what you're looking for. Based on the photo of the grip you attached, it's probably the first or the third of these patents that covers that particular grip.

Mike

PS - Design patents are numbered separately from regular patents. Ergo, the relatively low patent number in 1878.

ISCS Yoda · Oct 1, 2020

Methinks that patent expired a long, long time ago, but ICBW.

first-model · Oct 1, 2020

ISCS Yoda said:
Methinks that patent expired a long, long time ago, but ICBW.

These three patents expired in 1895.

Mike

mmaher94087 · Oct 1, 2020

If the stocks are in 'as-new' condition; these patent dates are visible on the hard rubber. Unfortunately, most stocks are worn and these patent markings are the first to disappear.

BMur · Oct 2, 2020

That was fast!

Wow!
Thanks much. Saved me a ton of time looking!

Murph

H Richard · Oct 2, 2020

I had one .32 DA that had the Pat'd date on the grips (like new), but it was so lightly stamped that about any handling would have worn it off.

Kinman · Oct 2, 2020

My factory reconditioned .44 D.A. 1st Model has the same markings on the bottom of the left stock, just part of the coolness factor...its probably my favorite revolver. The right hand stock has them worn smooth which makes sense if your right handed.

iby · Oct 3, 2020

I have a few #3's with patent dates in this area of the grips

Smith & Wesson patented Grips?

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