R.J. Kornbrath Company engraved S&W - Anyone have one?

[THREEDFLYER]

Curious how many out there might have a S&W or other firearm engraved by Kornbrath? I am just learning of them and wanted to see if they are known for quality and good resale value??

Thanks in advance,

[rct269]

Actually, I suspect a knowledgeable person would likely consider them the epitome of quality---as in the top of the pile.

I have seen exactly one---actually held it in my hands. As impressive as it was, what was more impressive was the complete set of drawings made before the cutting started. It was difficult to fathom the skill that could create such things with only pen and paper. If I'm not confusing this experience with another, the gun was either the first or only K-22 Outdoorsman ever done by Kornbrath

It was, perhaps still is owned by a rather pleasant gun nut from Michigan who seemed inordinately proud of it and who, noting the gleam in my eye, informed me it was not for sale; and if it was, the price would be $100,000. I responded to the effect that perhaps like most of the lunatic fringe it was within the realm of reason to suspect I might eventually spend that kind of money, but it almost certainly would involve more than one gun. We had a good laugh, and I paid him about half again the going rate for a flat mint M&P target. It was valued as such in his mind because it was "only" 26 numbers away from, and configured exactly the same as that used by McGivern for his most notable record. It was valued as such in my mind----just 'cause it was. All this was going on the better part of 20 years ago.

Assuming you might wish to contact this gentleman (if only to perhaps get a picture of this masterpiece), I have been searching through my letters file (which also contains a letter from him)---and it's not where it's supposed to be---as opposed to lost. I'll keep looking.

Ralph Tremaine

[Doc44]

Rick Bowles posted photos of RM 1627 that was engraved by Kornbrath on December 10, 2017. It is a wonderful example of his work. You can find the thread by searching Kornbrath engraved registered magnum.

Bill

[Camster]

Originally Posted by THREEDFLYER

Curious how many out there might have a S&W or other firearm engraved by Kornbrath? I am just learning of them and wanted to see if they are known for quality and good resale value??

Thanks in advance,

I think that quality and good resale value pretty much go hand in hand.

[THREEDFLYER]

Originally Posted by Doc44

Rick Bowles posted photos of RM 1627 that was engraved by Kornbrath on December 10, 2017. It is a wonderful example of his work. You can find the thread by searching Kornbrath engraved registered magnum.

Bill

Bill, I am being told that after RJ Kornbrath's death there was NO so called "RJ KORNBRATH CO." formed to carry on the name.....that the post war guns marked as such are counterfeit.

Hmmm.....I'll look up the RM you are describing....my thoughts is that one was legit and engraved while RJ was obviously living.

[bushmaster1313]

Originally Posted by THREEDFLYER

Curious how many out there might have a S&W or other firearm engraved by Kornbrath? I am just learning of them and wanted to see if they are known for quality and good resale value??

Thanks in advance,

I have one Kornbrath but it’s all scratched up



This is my Kornbrath -- Baker Elite from 1919.
It does not have the deep engraving for which Kornbrath was famous.

[Doc44]

Tom...The Magnum was engraved in October 1936 and was sent by S&W to Kornbrath for the engraving and returned to S&W for finishing in blue. The documents provided by the S&WHF confirm this. This post was made on December 10, 2017. My sentence structure was a little confusing.

Bill

[2152hq]

R Kornbrath had a debilitating stroke that meant a stop to his working as an engraver in 1937. At least the fine quality he was known for was over, some say a few pieces were done by him after the event, but I don't know if that has any factual proof. There are more than a few sleuths that have covered his life and career as an engraver quite thoroughly and the answer(s) are probably out there.

That RegMag was of some dispute as to wether RK did the entire revolver or part of it because of illness and then the eventual stroke.
I've seen claims that his old fellow Austrian engraver Joseph Fugger(pronounced Feugger) did the work, or at least part of it.
I don't know,,but the two were certainly close friends and at times somewhat at odds with each other too.
Their styles are very similar. Never shy about signing their works, each would sign,RJK usually complete w/ his 'Hartford Conn' notation in many instances.

Fugger came to the US after RJK did. RJK put him up for Fugger to have a place to stay for some time after first arriving.
RJK always the freelanse engraver having done work for most every wellknown Gunmaker/Gunsmith around. Fugger ended working at the bench at G&H for most of his career,, a place where RJK had done a large number of commissions for mostly sporter bolt rifles but also some shotguns and handguns.
Fugger also did a large number of private commissions.
(Engraver Winston Churchill took Joseph Fuggers place at the bench at G&H when Fugger's age and illness started to take a toll and he decided to retire from it all.,,and so it goes)

[S&W ucla]

I don't have one, but handled this one at Boise S&WCA.