Engraved model 28-2. Opinions?

Allen-frame · #1 01-25-2011, 09:53 PM

I found this son-of-a-gun in a shop locally. Probably too much bling for me, but the longer I held it and looked at it the more it grew on me.

I don't know if I could pay $1200. for an engraved and Nickeled
Highway Patrolman but if the consensus here is positive enough
I might consider adding it to the collection.

Opinions and comments welcome. Please let me know what you think.
Especially about the quality and who could have possibly engraved it.

Thanks
Allen Frame

Iggy · #2 01-25-2011, 10:09 PM

Bein' an old HP, that thing trips my trigger. Actually, that is about the first engraved gun that has interested me at all. I sure can't afford it, but I gotta say that is pure fat cow doin's.

sgt.207 · #3 01-25-2011, 10:11 PM

That is NICE

SFCHAINLEY · #4 01-25-2011, 10:16 PM

I am not a expert on engraving but I know what I like and I like that 1200.00 worth for sure.

28Shooter · #5 01-25-2011, 10:24 PM

That's really nice, I think I'd go for it. Any idea who did the engraving?

Art Doc · #6 01-25-2011, 11:21 PM

I like it. I don't think I could pay $1200 (or $1299 as the tag reads) for it. Not saying in isn't worth it, but I couldn't bring myself to pay that much.

At $800 it's mine.

j38 · #7 01-25-2011, 11:44 PM

Allen,

I don't know much about the value of engraved guns, but I do know that I like that Highway Patrolman. Since every engraved gun is unique anyway, I'm not at all convinced that a Model 28 is an unworthy platform for the engraver work on. I especially like the engraved lines that parallel the normal turn lines on the cylinder. ... now, some Kieth Brown Ropers would look just about perfect on that gun.

Good Luck with your decision,

Jerry

Engineer1911 · #8 01-25-2011, 11:49 PM

That is one bodacious pimplero pistoli. I'd pay $1,200 just to have the most different S&W at the Friday nite Bar-B-Que!!

wantmoresmiths · #9 01-25-2011, 11:54 PM

I'm not 100% sure, but I think engraved guns loose some value if they have been used/fired. Hopefully someone more qualified will confirm my thinking on that. If the gun has been fired, it could be a bargaining tool. Another point to make with the dealer, is the fact that S&W didn't make many nickel plated model 28's, so the nickel is probably not a factory finish. Another bargaining tool.

I agree with your jumping all over that beauty at $800. Best of luck.

45Wheelgun · #10 01-26-2011, 12:00 AM

Allen,

While it probably isn't a factory job (S&W logo on the wrong side) it is a very well engraved gun. It is the style of engraving that I enjoy. The engraved grooves where the drag line should be will actually prevent a drag line from appearing. At least they do on an engraved gun I own. (and shoot)

I can't see and engravers mark in the pictures, but there probably is one. On one of my engraved guns you almost need a magnifying glass to read the engravers name he engraved it so small.

While I agree with the idea it needs a set of Keith Brown grips, that engraving was done for a set of "round top" prewar type service grips. I wouldn't put a set of Roper style targets on it and cover up any of that engraving.

$1200 is a lot less then you would pay to have a quality engraving job done to your run of the mill $400-$600 M28-2.

If it speaks to you, I say go for it. Don't look at it as an investment though, being not factory engraved, it will not appreciate at the rate a factory engraved gun will. I have no doubt that you would always be able to get your money out of it, I just don't think it will be a high yielding investment.

Bill Douglas · #11 01-26-2011, 12:12 AM

My humble opinon...

I don't like engraving unless it was done as part of the manufacturing process in the factory.

And... The Highway Patrolman is a delightfully working class gun. That's where the beauty is. Knowing it was built to be carried on the hip of a cop, to be relied upon in a time of need, and the gun that made a bad guy stop.

Allen-frame · #12 01-26-2011, 12:23 AM

Thank you all for your opinions thus far.

Less money spent is always a good thing when purchasing an unusual
piece like this.

I think while scrutinizing it today I looked at it too closely.
To really appreciate it in all is shiny splendor, one needs to
stand back and view the whole.
A pair of P>C. stag grips or black buffalo horn magnas would set it off
well, and be substantially less $ than a pair of K.B. stocks.

I'm going to go to sleep now and dream about it. Riding in a
black hand tooled floral rig at a big Texas bar-b-q with all
my shooting buddies.

Good night
Allen Frame

computeruser · #13 01-26-2011, 12:34 AM

$1200 is a lot of coin for any piece. That said, if it is what you want, then $1200 for a turnkey piece that will make you happy is a good deal. Sure, it may not be a factory engraving job, and it started life as a lowly M28, but somebody put some care into carving it up. Maybe there is a story to the engraving, maybe there isn't. Maybe you need to buy it and give it a story, give it the life it never would have had if it was a factory-engraved safe queen.

If I had the coin, I'd buy this gun and wear it. This gun exists to be enjoyed, not stored away as an investment.

Nightowl · #14 01-26-2011, 12:46 AM

Engraved guns never did much for me, mostly because I knew I could not afford one. However, I do like that one and would probably make the jump, thinking it would be the only engraved gun I would ever be able to afford. It would need an Old El Paso Tom Threepersons floral carved holster to put it in!

Gun 4 Fun · #15 01-26-2011, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightowl

Engraved guns never did much for me, mostly because I knew I could not afford one. However, I do like that one and would probably make the jump, thinking it would be the only engraved gun I would ever be able to afford. It would need an Old El Paso Tom Threepersons floral carved holster to put it in!

Ditto.
I am not fond of engraved guns, but when I opened this thread and saw it, I thought-good thing I don't live down there anymore, 'cause he wouldn't have to worry about it tomorrow.

I'd opt for the blackened out background in the floral carving. It'd set off the nickel just right.

TAROMAN · #16 01-26-2011, 02:22 AM

As others have noted. While I've never really been attracted to engraved guns, there's something about this one that I can connect with. Good its not near here..

Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

sw282 · #17 01-26-2011, 05:51 AM

si--------

olskool · #18 01-26-2011, 06:25 AM

how much would you shoot it? i am a user more than a collector. if it were me i would put that that $1200 to use by buying three smith's to fondle instead of just one pretty face.

blujax01 · #19 01-26-2011, 06:52 AM

Life is short - buy the gun.

Snowbandit · #20 01-26-2011, 08:19 AM

I don't usually care for engraved guns either but that one is calling to me. Think you better buy it and remove the temptation for the rest of us.

rock doc · #21 01-26-2011, 09:10 AM

I must say, that is the purtiest Model 28 I’ve ever laid eyes on. I kept going back to your original post. If you can afford it, and really want it, then go for it. Life is short.

Iggy · #22 01-26-2011, 09:11 AM

That gun had me down in my safe looking at my HP and wondering.
Until recently, I have periodically considered getting the barrel
on my 6" 28 cut to 3 1/2 inches. The recent acquisition of a Model 27 3 1/2" kinda cooled that thought, but that
engraved gun had me back looking at the 28 again.

Now that's some serious stuff when I contemplate butcherin' a S&W

I am like the others, not too wild about engraved guns, but that one has got the juices flowing.

I too am glad I'm not near where that gun is, or I would probably be in deep doo doo.

I would never spend that kind of money on a project like that, but it's nice to dream.

Art Doc · #23 01-26-2011, 09:31 AM

Every serious handgunner should have at least one fancy gun. Reconsidering my earlier comment I now say if that gun appeals to you and the purchase doesn't put you in a bind then buy it. It's real pretty and it would cost at least the asking price to duplicate it, maybe more.

BTW there's nothing wrong with the 28 as an engraving platform. makes sense, really. Why tear up the pretty finish on a 27 when you can engrave the plain 28 and still have a pretty gun.

Camster · #24 01-26-2011, 10:04 AM

I've owned factory and non factory engraved guns.I don't think that I'll adjust to the fact that the factory only cuts to the outline of the grip-I like full frame engraving such as this,with the freedom to put any type of grips on it..
I consider this one to have good but not great engraving.Once you see how a real master makes the scrolls flow effortlessly,smooth proportional curves,you note the difference on lesser examples.(Of course,those types of guys command the big bucks)
At 1200,I don't see how you could go wrong-not much downside imo.The engraving alone would cost far more than than that to duplicate.The gun alone worth half of the price.

Dennis The B · #25 01-26-2011, 10:32 AM

...Model 28 is akin to putting a $5k saddle on a plow horse.

(Not that there's anything wrong with plow horses.)

delta-419 · #26 01-26-2011, 10:59 AM

In days gone by lawmen decorated their sidearms in an aray of fashions that spoke to their personality. It was their "best friend" in times of need. This one is an extension of the man who toted it. I like it, this M28 has it all , eye appeal and utility . Whats not to like. Agree with the rest of the members, it would cost beyond $1200 to replace it.

handym3000 · #27 01-26-2011, 11:08 AM

that one is sure nice i would buy it.

that engraving is very nice

BUFF · #28 01-26-2011, 11:20 AM

A dash-2 N frame with full coverage factory engraving would cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 or more.

Plain 3-1/2 inch Model 27's are going for that much.

I like it.

I only have one engraved handgun, a 4 inch 29-2 done at the factory. I have owned it for almost 20 years. I really enjoy just looking at it. Had it been a .357, I would have qualified with it and carried it on duty at least a few times, mostly to annoy our range staff. And because I like it. It has been worth the price to me.

msinc · #29 01-26-2011, 03:35 PM

I own many engraved guns and some of the comments on this thread are simply not true..."engraving is not worth as much as if it were factory" ...really??? That totally depends on the engraver. On this particular gun the engraving, and only one other poster picked up on it, is not executed well. One generally would have to look at engraving under a magnifying glass to see just how well it is done or to compare one masters work to another. This gun doesn't even need to be seen in person to pick it up, it is evident on a photograph. The guy wasn't a total dud by no means as his straight lines appear to be really straight and believe me as a hobby engraver that is way more difficult than it looks when finished. Overall though it is a nice classic pattern and for a carry/shoot nice gun it will certainly do. I say if you like it, and many guys on here feel the same way go for it.

Gun 4 Fun · #30 01-26-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msinc

I own many engraved guns and some of the comments on this thread are simply not true..."engraving is not worth as much as if it were factory" ...really??? That totally depends on the engraver. On this particular gun the engraving, and only one other poster picked up on it, is not executed well.

The comments made in this thread regarding engraving being worth more when done at the factory (mainly older guns engraved several years ago) are exactly right where S&W's are concerned. It may not be fair, but it's true 99% of the time.

I am betting that more than one other poster here noticed flaws with the engraving. I certainly did, but since I am not an "expert" by any stretch on engraved guns, I didn't feel it was worth mentioning, 'cause as I said before, I don't care for engraved guns, but I just plain like this one.

bigmoose · #31 01-26-2011, 06:21 PM

I think we all do a huge disservice to engravers by valuing their artistic, creative and steady hand skills on whether they were employed as factory workers or as sole proprieters in their own studio. They deserve better than that. Many, many, extremely valuable and beautiful non-factory engraved guns sit in very prominent collections. Those collectors give credit where credit is due. Colt, back 100 years and more, would ship guns out-of-house to get some nice work done. I have seen some factory engraved guns that are definitely apprentice level work...other guys drool over the same gun because the engraver was employed by the factory. Go figure.
Anyways...if it trips your trigger, and you got the bucks...go for it!

DGNY · #32 01-26-2011, 06:56 PM

In a sense, this gun is more than the sum of its parts. The N frame 4" is one of the most admired handgun platforms in history. The engraving is classic, lavishly arranged. The price is far less than the cost to create it anew. It is not so fastidiously done as to discourage use. As stated, turn line will not be a major obstacle.

If it is tight, the barrel clocked well and otherwise checks out upon a visual inspection, I would say BUY IT, and soon, before someone else does!

And - with the engraving so full, it would look great with some retro service [pre-magna] style grips for display. Just consider - this revolver at home in an El Paso or equivalent Tom Threepersons rig - holster and belt. What a fabulous package for show and tell! Perhaps THE Sina Qua Non of BBQ-dom!

Regards,

Dyson

Tah · #33 01-26-2011, 07:32 PM

You move this way but once my friend, get the darn thing (or give me the information and I will get it.)

I don't know about the rest but I have never wanted to own a gun I couldn't or wouldn't shoot, so as the man above said, get it, shoot it, enjoy it and then pass it on.

Tah

roundgunner · #34 01-26-2011, 07:48 PM

I like it. I have always wanted to have a nice but shooter grade revolver. I should probably learn to do it myself, I have quite a few that have been in and out of Kydex thousands of times. Maybe.....

Butchbird · #35 01-26-2011, 08:03 PM

I like it -- I would just buy it

msinc · #36 01-26-2011, 08:08 PM

"The comments made in this thread regarding engraving being worth more when done at the factory (mainly older guns engraved several years ago) are exactly right where S&W's are concerned. It may not be fair, but it's true 99% of the time."

It's not about fair, it's about money spent on a job well done by a true master...what makes a S&W engraved at the factory an exception??? You really think because a gun is engraved "at the factory" that could ever make it more valuble than the work of Ken Hunt, Lynton McKenzie or the Italian masters like Giovanelli??? Only to a koolaid drinkin' fanboy, but to the rest of the world not a chance. In most cases there are no "factory" engravers. The people that engraved guns were not employees of one gun company, nor did they just engrave guns. They were engravers and would move to whatever town the factory was in that had work for them. Some companies had their loyal regulars and they did some excellent work but when a high grade gun maker had an order for one of their higher graded guns they brought in the masters.

pace40 · #37 01-26-2011, 08:29 PM

Nothing wrong with wanting an engraved 28, Allen. You like it?...buy it. I did..

Gun 4 Fun · #38 01-26-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msinc

"The comments made in this thread regarding engraving being worth more when done at the factory (mainly older guns engraved several years ago) are exactly right where S&W's are concerned. It may not be fair, but it's true 99% of the time."

It's not about fair, it's about money spent on a job well done by a true master...what makes a S&W engraved at the factory an exception??? You really think because a gun is engraved "at the factory" that could ever make it more valuble than the work of Ken Hunt, Lynton McKenzie or the Italian masters like Giovanelli??? Only to a koolaid drinkin' fanboy, but to the rest of the world not a chance. In most cases there are no "factory" engravers. The people that engraved guns were not employees of one gun company, nor did they just engrave guns. They were engravers and would move to whatever town the factory was in that had work for them. Some companies had their loyal regulars and they did some excellent work but when a high grade gun maker had an order for one of their higher graded guns they brought in the masters.

You're missing the point!
It doesn't make any difference to me since I am not a fan of very many engraved guns, but to most S&W collectors it does matter, and so does who was doing it for the factory at the time it was done. Whether or not you agree with that or not is your business, but all you need to do is read here on this forum for a while. You'll see many posts indicating just that.

keith44spl · #39 01-26-2011, 08:39 PM

Sir,

She's sure nuff a looker right there.

I shoot and carry several engraved guns, shotgun, rifle and half a dozen handguns.

Mine are not for investment, they're for my enjoyment and too just please myself.

It's all in the eye of the beholder, besides every man ought to have one to sport now and again.

Got me to thinking about a nickeled N frame I'm working on now.

Su Amigo,
Dave

Allen-frame · #40 01-26-2011, 09:11 PM

Gentlemen, here is the update.

I went to the shop today with cash in hand. I wrote $950. +taxes and call in on paper and gave it to my friend/salesman.
which came to $1010. out the door.
I think since I had worn out my welcome with the store manager
yesterday he just shrugged me off.

This is going to be a wrestling match. .
You see, I happen to know what they paid for the gun.
Maybe I'm belligerent, but I just won't pay more than a reasonable
profit on a gun. No matter how sweet it is.

The gun has been sitting for quite a while now. IF someone
snatches it up for retail ahead of me ,,so be it.

But, I am going to bargain my a** off to get it for a good price.

Thank you all for the comments and interest. I hope we
have at least generated some interesting discussion here.

Your friend in collecting,
Allen Frame

Gun 4 Fun · #41 01-26-2011, 09:15 PM

I admire you sticking to your guns here Allen (no pun intended). If you end up getting it for the price you want, it'll be that much sweeter to own.

glock_556 · #42 01-26-2011, 09:48 PM

I've never been attracted to engraved guns but I would own that one!!!!!

buckeyeshooter1 · #43 01-27-2011, 09:11 AM

I like it. Especially because I could carry and shoot it. I'd buy it and do just that. I love nickel N frames and my 28 is a 6 inch. even better if you get it for your price!

big50_1 · #44 01-27-2011, 04:17 PM

I like what bdGreen said. I have three 28s so don't "need" to get another BUT would buy that in a heartbeat. Very interesting piece! I actually like the engraving. Normally I'm not into engraved guns but that one attracts me. If you like the engraving, get it. Fast!

Dave T · #45 01-27-2011, 10:23 PM

I've always thought plane guns were more interesting that nickeled or engraved ones, not to mention one both engraved and nickeled. Consequently I don't have any fancy guns and only one that's nickeled (a 38/44 HD). Been thinking I should have a BBQ gun, just in case I'm ever invited to a Texas style BBQ. I'd have to polish up that HD as it's scratched up pretty bad. The 28 in this thread would be just the ticket for what I (think ) I need.

So, I'd buy it if I could and commend anyone who likes it and would do the same. The fact that the engraving isn't perfect would be OK with me. That way I could shoot it and not feel I was destroying something perfect. Ever seen an engraved Wolf & Klar. That isn't exactly perfect either...but they are highly prized none the less.

My $.02 worth,
Dave

dpsix · #46 01-27-2011, 11:59 PM

A frequent visitor to our club has an engraved Smith as one of his competition guns for our steel plate shoots. It's an attention getter. A new S&W can cost you a grand and it will have a key hole in the side. If you find the engraving appealing, I do, bring the gun home and shoot the thing.

pclugo · #47 01-06-2012, 10:16 PM

This .357 model 28 Smith is very familiar to me ,I think it was mine at one time because of the engraving on the frame in front of the cylinder and below the factory engraving looks like a pineapple sort of and that was done later I believe, I sold it at the old Tamiami gun shop in miami many years ago, But Mine had stag grips so it's kind of confusing, but the small engraving on the part fore mentioned is a dead give away, "its worth alot so go for it.

Peter

A10 · #48 01-06-2012, 10:43 PM

Not much to add, except that the idea of a workman type gun being all dolled up like that kind of appeals to me. Sort of like the ugly duckling girl in high school turning into a beauty queen. I love 28's and that one is unique. The second shiney 28 I've seen on the forum lately......

ghawke · #49 01-06-2012, 11:07 PM

I like it, and I have to say to Wheelgun45 that both my model 28's have the S&W logo on the right side, just like this one.
Greg

Chromedhearts · #50 01-08-2012, 01:34 AM

I like it. And with respect to the earlier comments about grips; I think it calls for some pre-war style MOP with a Ruby eyed Longhorn.