Roper style grips (pics)

digi-shots

digi-shots

SWCA Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2006
Messages
1,774
Reaction score
4,046
Location
Virginia
In reading some of the old threads, I've come across quite a few that show great pics of Ropers and Roper style grips.

There was even a discussion as to whether or not Roper made grips for the model 1911.

I know this is a S&W revolver forum but I've come across a pair of 1911 grips that I'd like to get some opinions on.

The people that participate in this forum seem to be extremely knowledgeable, especially when it comes to Ropers.

Thanks so much!

Here are the pics:

gunm1911A1carvedgrips.1.jpg


gunm1911A1carvedgrips.2.jpg
 
Register to hide this ad
In reading some of the old threads, I've come across quite a few that show great pics of Ropers and Roper style grips.

There was even a discussion as to whether or not Roper made grips for the model 1911.

I know this is a S&W revolver forum but I've come across a pair of 1911 grips that I'd like to get some opinions on.

The people that participate in this forum seem to be extremely knowledgeable, especially when it comes to Ropers.

Thanks so much!

Here are the pics:

gunm1911A1carvedgrips.1.jpg


gunm1911A1carvedgrips.2.jpg
 
I have seen 2 High Standard Military pistols with what appears to be Roper grips on them as well. They have the same sort of design on them the left grip in your picure has. My brother owns 1 of the 2 examples of them on a High Standard. I assume they are Ropers, just as I would assume your 1911 grips are too. Roper, Kearsarge, and the others did not limit their work to just S&W or Colt revolvers.
It would take me a few days to get them and post, but if I remember to do it I'll take a picture or 2 of his grips and include them in another reply to this thread.
 
Thanks, Geoff!

When you get a chance to post the pics, I'd appreciate it! I
 
Linda

There is a book, by Roper, that has a lot of pictures of the various
grips that make up the Roper universe.

Later, Mike Priwer
 
Thanks, Mike!

I found a couple of copies online of Walter Roper's "Pistol and Revolver Shooting" book.
 
digi-shots, IMHO, those grips are Ropers ( made by Gagne or Nichols). The book that Mike Priwer refers to is " Experiments of a Handgunner" by Walter Roper. It shows Roper stocks for S&Ws, Colts, Luger, H&Rs and even BB air pistols! Roper was the designer of his stocks and a great merchandiser, as well as a serious shooter. It is a classic gun book every collector or shooter should have. Ed.
 
If you want some tips on how to clean them without really changing the way they look now email me. You can get the dirt and excess oil off without damaging the wood.
icon_smile.gif

DW
 
Linda;

They look like Ropers designs. Chic Gaylord had very similar grips on two High Standard autos many years ago. I can't remember the models, maybe a "Supermatic" or "Trophy", fine guns, but I wasn't that interested in them back then. But the grips were exquisite, which jogged my memory when Geoff mentioned his brother's High Standard models. My guess would be Gaylord's were from the 1950's - 1960 ? I mention the time frame because I am entirely ignorant about Walter Roper's work and when his work was contemporary.
 
The late Jeff Cooper had a set of grips very like those on his old Government Model.45.
He showed it in some of his early writing.

T-Star
 
A very quick way to identify Roper designed grips made by Gagne or Nichols, in Roper's shop, is to look at the back sides of the grip panels for the two little rectangular indentations ( see pics above ) put here by the jigs used to hold the grip panels while they were checkered. No other custom grip maker' works, copying Roper's designs, will have those indentations, in my experience. Ed.
 
Originally posted by opoefc:
A very quick way to identify Roper designed grips made by Gagne or Nichols, in Roper's shop, is to look at the back sides of the grip panels for the two little rectangular indentations ( see pics above ) put here by the jigs used to hold the grip panels while they were checkered. No other custom grip maker' works, copying Roper's designs, will have those indentations, in my experience. Ed.
Click to expand...


I've heard that before. It is interesting that the Sandersons I've owned have had similar holes. Great minds think alike?
 
I just went and looked and you are right! There is only one hole.
 
Thanks to everyone for your comments and tips.

I had a strong feeling that they might be Roper grips just based on the overall design and the little jig slots in the back.
 
Bell Charter Oak Holsters said:
Linda;

They look like Ropers designs. Chic Gaylord had very similar grips on two High Standard autos many years ago. I can't remember the models, maybe a "Supermatic" or "Trophy", fine guns, but I wasn't that interested in them back then. But the grips were exquisite, which jogged my memory when Geoff mentioned his brother's High Standard models. My guess would be Gaylord's were from the 1950's - 1960 ? I mention the time frame because I am entirely ignorant about Walter Roper's work and when his work was contemporary.
Click to expand...


The OP shows a fine set of what appears as genuine Roper stocks.

Often some less knowledgeable colletors and sellers, see a similar pattern on flat panel HS stocks and start touting "ROPER GRIPS", NOT ! High Standard made factory stocks in the 1950s-1960s that surely had a copy of the Roper pattern but they were NOT Ropers. They were factory HS stocks.

Occasionally, still till today, I get into a similar discussion regarding High Standard. High Standard had a factory stock in the 1950s-1060s that appeared to have a Roper pattern to them and some with a wimpy little thumb rest but those are NOT Ropers, those are just factory HS.

HS also copied other popular trends like a large wheel high rear sight and stippling on the front and rear grip strap they copies straight from John Giles. Although Giles had no patent on these enhancements, seeing those features on High Standard, one who does not know better, might mistake it for John Giles signature features ... or ... advertise and tout "Roper STOCKS" on an older HS when 9 times out of 10 they are not.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

quinn
Rosewood (C.H.) Roper Stockings for Wolf & Klar
Replies
6
Views
786
local_dirt
L
Vtgw938
What is the Narrow Screw Thread Size Used by Walter Roper?? - 3-56, 4-48?
2
Replies
21
Views
1K
Vtgw938
Vtgw938
T
1950 military with adjustable rear sites
2
Replies
21
Views
1K
Doc44
Doc44
ENNE-FRAME
2" US Navy Military & Police
Replies
11
Views
734
ENNE-FRAME
ENNE-FRAME
cmdrcody
Military and Police Model 1905 4th change
Replies
6
Views
436
AC Man
A

Latest posts

Back
Top