1910-1919 medallions

[JP@AK]

Guys

For a long time I've been wondering about the recessed medallions that were on revolver stocks from about 1910 until the end of the decade. They are referred to as "gold" medallions, but I wonder if this is only a reference to color. Are they, in fact, brass? Or were they actually given a gold bath? The SCSW does not make this clear and I've not seen anything on this Forum that answers this question.

Those that I own are not corroded. But some I've seen appear to have a greenish tint to the corrosion, so I'm suspecting brass.

Can someone clear this up for sure?

Thanks!
Jack

 

[mikepriwer]

I've always believed that they are brass, or brass plated. The reason I believe this is
that they respond instantly to the cleaner/polisher Brasso. I use a Q-Tip to apply
the Brasso to the medallion, and it immediately turns blackish-green in color. A little
bit goes a long way, and the Q-Tip keeps the cleaner within the little circular wall
around the outside edge of the medallion.

Mike Priwer

 

[JP@AK]

Thanks, Mike! That is what I suspected.
Anyone else care to chime it?
Jack

 

[VM]

Jack - I agree with M.P. and believe them to be 100% brass.
I have had a few damaged/destroyed grips over the years with this style medallion and harvested them for the parts (for other projects).
The rim can be removed on this large gold medallion, and then plated silver to mock appearance of prewar silver medallions that are more valuable and needed by the Custom Gripmakers.

 

[SDH]

While I don't have a long history working with medallions I have some experience. These large "gold" were heavily tarnished with dirty and deep patina that was very difficult to remove. I had heard they were actually gold plated brass, and was left with the impression after cleaning these up that they might be gold plated?? (shown here with a variety of other s&W medallions.)
I'm going to salvage them for a set of custom grips as a future project.

 

[glowe]

I think the medallions are gold plated. I have cleaned these medallions with a Q-tip and acetone and they always come up bright, without the usual brass patina that needs to be cleaned with abrasive polish. My S&W catalog from 1912 states that the monograms are "inserted in gilt, and is a guarantee of quality."

 

[JP@AK]

My S&W catalog from 1912 states that the monograms are "inserted in gilt, and is a guarantee of quality."

Well, interesting! "Gilt" usually refers to gold, that's for sure!

I'm going to continue to monitor this thread. I'm glad I asked the question! Two different opinions from knowledgeable guys. This is great!

Jack

 

[VM]

Jack - glad you started this thread...........very interesing.
I will add, that all of the old junker ones that I had (that were harvested) did not appear to be plated over the brass - apparently worn off.
It would be neat to hear Roy's comments about these early meddallions.

 

[dinghysailer]

I have two revolvers with the 'gold' medallions.

My impression is that they were 'gold washed' which is a very thin layer of gold plate. This gold wash is soft, and easily rubbed off, exposing the brass underneath. Once the brass is exposed, it will tarnish, and respond to brass polish.

The other way manufacturers keep brass shiny is to apply lacquer after polishing but I have not seen any signs of that having happened on the S&W medallions.

This is all semi-educated speculation on my part.

Allan