"Rustic" French Gray - Engraved 27-2

RKmesa

RKmesa

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I picked this one up yesterday. When I brought it home, it had a set of smooth presentation target grips that had been re-finished with a very thick and yellowing lacquer. I had a spare set of oil finished Keith Brown Ropers in the wood pile that I mated with this gun. The seller stated that the gun was engraved by Bill Briggs, and I think that with the French gray finish, the Keith Brown grips and the simple and clean style of engraving it is a beautiful package with a rustic feel.:):cool:

















It also came in a well-preserved presentation case with the tools and paperwork.:D



If any of you know anything about the engraver, I would appreciate it. The Bill Briggs I found online is a talented leather craftsman (it may be the same Bill Briggs - I'm still investigating). As always, I would love to hear your thoughts, observations, and impressions.

All the best and thanks for letting me share,
 
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Now that’s cool!

I really enjoy ogling the engraved revolvers you post Richard, but this one really appeals to me!

It’s a great balance of mechanics and artwork and I think the ropers enhance that look.

Outstanding package Richard! Congrats on finding this one!
 
Well, that one is certainly different and interesting. I’m not used to seeing French gray on an S&W. The combination of the French gray and the engraving is so unusual that it’s hard for me to draw fair impressions about without seeing it in person. I’ll have to muse on it for a while. :) I can only imagine the clash between the theme of the gun and the lacquered smooth grips. You no doubt made a big improvement there! Thanks for showing us that one.
 
Another real beauty. The tasteful engraving compliments it well. I noticed the side plate being just a teeny shade different, and often see this in refinished or specialty finished revolvers. Is it because the metal content is different from the frame? I have had several older revolvers that the original finish has a little shade difference.
 
Very nice Richard,
I do not own a long barreled model 27 but that one would be a very nice addition

The French Gray is very nice and I do like the fact that the ejector rod, cylinder release and screws are all finished in blue. It makes for a nice contrast
 
ameridaddy said:
Richard, you find these at yard sales, right?
Click to expand...

I've yet to find one at a yard sale... but it would be fun if I did. :)

ameridaddy said:
Seriously, is there a network of collectors like you who stay in touch with each other and upscale auctions?
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I regularly search the online auctions and always review what the large auction houses have for sale. Sometimes forum members and fellow collectors send leads. The hunt is always a significant part of the fun.:cool:
 
RKmesa said:
If any of you know anything about the engraver, I would appreciate it. The Bill Briggs I found online is a talented leather craftsman (it may be the same Bill Briggs - I'm still investigating). As always, I would love to hear your thoughts, observations, and impressions.

All the best and thanks for letting me share,
Click to expand...

There was a Jim Riggs, engraver, in the San Antonio, Texas area. As I recall he offered a French finish along with engraving.

Beautiful gun!
 
That’s pretty subdued for you RK, needs more gold inlays. Just kidding, kind of. 😁 pretty revolver. 😎
Ropers are superb though.
 
Retired W4 said:
I was not familiar with French gray so I did some searching. Very interesting method. Your 27-2 is beautiful.
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One of our forum experts on engraving (a very talented engraver in his own right) shared this on "French Grey" in post 27 of this thread

Extraordinary Engraved Pre-27 - with Provenance

2152hq said:
...there are several ways of applying what many call a French Grey.

Acid and some acidic PH chemicals are generally used.
If the metal is just French Grey'd using acid or something like Ferric Chloride, there is nothing actually coating the surface ...!

Some French Grey pieces are further colored with a very dilute soln of cold blue. A few drops of the cold blue in plain water, a container big enough to hold the actual gun part submerged.

Place the clean degreased part right into the water and the weak soln will impart a very slight pale blue hue to the plain already grey surfaces. At the same time it will darken any engraving cuts and relief cut backgrounds, punch work to a very dark, near black color.

It works slowly, agitation with a soft artist brush works well to help it along. No need to hurry. When you are satisfied, pull it out and dry it off. Repeat if not satisfied

Your finishing tip for the day.
Click to expand...
 
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