Thoughts on value - engraved model 60 with custom Jerry Evans grips

two-bit cowboy said:

All four of your stepfather's Model 60s are gorgeous.

I've been trying to comprehend his note on the disk for the grips. The serial number is from the Model 60 sixth production run, which shipped primarily in 1968.

The first two production runs were bright polished stainless steel, including the hammer and trigger, which S&W Historian Dr. Roy Jinks said, "were not sufficiently hardened."

The third production run saw the finish change from bright polished to satin and the hammers and triggers were case hardened, which produced a dark color.

During the third production run S&W changed from case hardened hammers and triggers to heat treated stainless steel that was then flash chromed, which became the standard for S&W stainless steel revolvers.

The only thing I can think your stepfather meant by "third model" was the satin finish with heat treated then flash chromed hammer and trigger, which does make some sense.

I'm not an engraved revolver collector, but from ones I've seen I believe Doc44 gave you the best guidance anyone might offer on the subject.

Regarding your last post...

The five-digit number at the bottom of the grip frame is an assembly number. You'll find the same number stamped on the yoke (the hinge that allows the cylinder to roll out for loading), and on the inside of the side plate, which I don't recommend you remove just to see the number. The assembly numbers were stamped on those pieces so they could be brought back together at the end of the manufacturing process for the final assembly.

The other seemingly odd and jumbled stampings on the grip frame are inspectors marks.

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mturnerb said:

This is a very interesting model 60, round butt, with these notes with the gun:

"Model 60 3rd model with special grips by Jerry Evans". I can't tell the material for sure - ivory?

"Custom honed inside, polished after engraving"

It's an absolute beauty. I'm attaching photos but here is a link to very detailed photos. I'd very much appreciate any thoughts/commentary regarding provenance and value. Is it worth getting a factory letter on this one?

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RKmesa said:

Very nice Model 60.

And has been said above, the grips are ivory. I like the engraving. The pattern and style on this one are consistent with a Model 19 that I own (shipped March 1969).





Unfortunately, I have never figured out who engraved this one as there are no engraver marks on it. But based on some input from KSK, I am leaning towards Hiroo Sugaya, a European trained engraver who engraved for R.E.I. of Park Ridge, IL in the late 1960s and early 70s. Let me know if you find any marks that would give us an indication on the engraver of that Model 60.

As to value, I would expect to see that little guy sell for between $2,500 and $4,000. The range depends on where it is sold (well advertised auction vs gun show, vs private party to private party). My experience is that engraved stainless usually sells for slightly less than a similarly engraved blue gun. Also, it is my experience that engraved J-Frame guns usually sell for less than a similarly engraved K or N Frame gun.

Thanks for sharing,

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mturnerb said:

Thank you very much. Where to look for marks other than grip frame?

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