Folks, I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what I have here. I came across a set of early N-frame target stocks that appear to be rosewood and of an early "coke" profile. Doing some research here on the forum, I found the ones I have are similar to those in this thread and upon further research, found Doc44's post here. What I'm wondering is if these are indeed rosewood with a "coke" profile and if they're what Doc44 says are the seldom-seen early type with a more pronounced flare at the bottom (the stocks on the left in his photo). From what I've read and studied, that looks like what I have here but I'd like to be sure as I'll likely be listing these for sale. The stocks show minor wear, a few small dings, but are solid with the only real flaws being a small chip at the front horn area behind/under the trigger guard and a previous owner lightly scribed his initials and phone number onto the butt of the stocks. If anyone wants to take a stab at it, ballpark estimates on value would be appreciated, also. I can provide additional photos if it would help determine what these are. Thanks.

Here are some photos:

They definitely look like rosewood stocks with the "coke" bottle flair at the bottom. Not sure about value, but I would guess they will fetch a couple of hundred from the right buyer.

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497

It looks to me like that have been stained very dark. If this is right,
they may not be rosewood, but maybe walnut. You could take some
acetone on a bit of cotton, and see what comes off the inside.

Mike Priwer

The stocks are definitely rosewood and date to the period, 1953-1956 or so. Their value is in the $250-$350 range.

Bill

Thanks, guys.

Mike, I just tried a Q-tip and some of the wife's nail polish remover and all that lifted was a bit of dust, no color/stain. The outdoor light wasn't the best today but here's another photo showing the color and what looks like open grain somewhat better:



Bill, thank you. I suspected they were but have nowhere near the experience you folks do and didn't want to play any guessing games. I appreciate all the help.

I'd vote for Rosewood, based on the large open pores in the wood and the color.
Very, very nice and valuable early grips.

__________________
John

Nice set of pretty rare stocks, and good photos also. I think you nailed it down pretty well all by yourself using the info you found on the forum. This style seems to be a bit thinner at the top than the later checkered cokes and also tapered more from top to bottom when viewed form the back, more of a bell shape to my eye. Also if I recall correctly they are a bit wider across the base than later cokes. The also have a bit more flip towards the heel than later stocks. The Rosewood can chip fairly easy and this set looks to be intact in the area that is most commonly chipped. The area that I'm referring to is where the wood meets the grip frame at the heel of the frame, the wood is very thin here due to the way the router stopped short. Watch this spot when trying the grips on different frames, if it even looks like it's applying pressure as you put the panel on just stop right there as forcing it will crack or chip out the wood. Might be a slight crack at the frame step on the left panel which is not unusual and does not detract from the value IMO. Nice catch!

Keith

__________________
kbgrips.com

The word is over used these days but in this case it applies...those are an awesome set of original stocks!

Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Thanks again for the commentary, folks. I'd like to report that the stocks will be on their way to a fellow forum member shortly. I'd keep them but it will be quite awhile before I'll own a gun befitting these stocks and, meanwhile, I'm happy to learn more about the hobby and see someone who can use and appreciate them get a good deal on them.

I just read, with interest, the post concerning these stocks. These appear to be the same stocks I have had on a couple of my older "N" frame revolvers from my early policing days. One set on a Pre Mod. 24, these have been chipped on the inside lower butt, I have just beveled both to match but the other set being worn by a Pre Mod 28 remain perfect or as perfect as a used and carried set of stocks can be. All this being said; I'm very interested in learning what the value actually is if you are willing to share what the fellow forum member compensated you for these stocks! Your post was/is most interesting, thank you!

__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

Sam, I wouldn't feel right divulging what the purchaser paid. That's up to him along with whether he wants to make himself known or not. I hope you understand.

I can however, and I'm sure everyone's curious, explain where/how I happened to find the stocks. There was this eBay auction I came across... Used Smith & Wesson N Frame Square Butt Pistol Grips - eBay (item 280636900550 end time Feb-27-11 19:44:19 PST)

How could I pass that up?

Congrats db - I love buy-it-now auctions!

Not a problem on the pricing and may I add my congratulations to what seems like a really good acquisition. Appearances suggest that you made an excellent purchase!

__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198