I’ve got a 27-2 that I believe is factory engraved. The serial number is N67****. I have a display case that I am refurbishing a bit as the front clasp is broken. Can anyone share some details about this revolver in terms of its date or production, engraving, approximate value? Is it worth it to get the factory and deep dive letter if I am going to sell? Many thanks for the help in advance.
27-2 engraved
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PauldL
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RK Mesa, this is all you, sir 
GerSan69
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Looks nice, but the rear sight is loose! 
bdGreen
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I would believe that it is factory engraved.
The small S&W logo is on the left side.
Typically this is done for a gun that is to be engraved at the factory leaving the side plate open for selected embellishments.
Or not...
bdGreen
The small S&W logo is on the left side.
Typically this is done for a gun that is to be engraved at the factory leaving the side plate open for selected embellishments.
Or not...
bdGreen
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Welcome to the forum from here in the AZ!
I agree with bdGreen. That is a factory engraved gun. Based on the style, it is most likely one of the guns that was sent on contract to Italy for engraving. And based on SN and dated guns in my collection, I would expect that it shipped in late 1979 or 1980, perhaps even 1981. All of which dates would be consistent with the time that a lot of "factory engraving" was contracted out to Italian engravers.
And yes, it is worth getting an Historical Letter to confirm it shipped from the factory as an engraved gun.
I agree with bdGreen. That is a factory engraved gun. Based on the style, it is most likely one of the guns that was sent on contract to Italy for engraving. And based on SN and dated guns in my collection, I would expect that it shipped in late 1979 or 1980, perhaps even 1981. All of which dates would be consistent with the time that a lot of "factory engraving" was contracted out to Italian engravers.
And yes, it is worth getting an Historical Letter to confirm it shipped from the factory as an engraved gun.
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Thank you for these comments, I really appreciate it. For the factory letter on this I would need to obtain both a letter of authenticity and also the “deep dive” letter right? Any idea of the general value of this firearm? If I were to decide to sell, what might be the best strategy to get it in front of collectors interested in such things? Many thx again
22hipower
Member
I don't have much experience with engraved guns but have been watching a few and trying to learn form the experts; RKmesa being at the top of that list. What I think I've learned so far is that the value of an engraved gun depends very much on who engraved it and who wants it. The market isn't nearly as broad for engraved guns as non-engraved but it seems there are quite a few folks who like them.
The pieces I've seen that bring the highest prices are by known S&W factory engravers but a letter will not generally tell you who engraved it as the factory did not (most of the time anyway) allow the engravers to mark their work. So if yours is confirmed as factory engraved but was outsourced to Italy, the letter will probably not tell you that; only that it was Class A, B, or C engraved. A gun that is collectible by itself but with nice engraving, even if the engraver is unknown, will bring a good price too. A 3.5 inch Reg. Mag. engraver unknown sold for almost $10k on GB last night.
For recent price on a comparable piece you might look at GB item number 941569035. This is a Model 19 but likely an example of Italian engraving. I would guess yours as an N frame and with the letter you plan to get would sell for more, maybe in the $3k +/- range. If your gun was confirmed to have been done by Russell Smith or one of the other well known factory engravers and had an inlay or two it might sell for two or three times my $3k estimate.
As to where to sell, the large auction sites will get you the best top price but after fees, maybe not more than you could get here on the Classified side of the Forum. Good luck.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
The pieces I've seen that bring the highest prices are by known S&W factory engravers but a letter will not generally tell you who engraved it as the factory did not (most of the time anyway) allow the engravers to mark their work. So if yours is confirmed as factory engraved but was outsourced to Italy, the letter will probably not tell you that; only that it was Class A, B, or C engraved. A gun that is collectible by itself but with nice engraving, even if the engraver is unknown, will bring a good price too. A 3.5 inch Reg. Mag. engraver unknown sold for almost $10k on GB last night.
For recent price on a comparable piece you might look at GB item number 941569035. This is a Model 19 but likely an example of Italian engraving. I would guess yours as an N frame and with the letter you plan to get would sell for more, maybe in the $3k +/- range. If your gun was confirmed to have been done by Russell Smith or one of the other well known factory engravers and had an inlay or two it might sell for two or three times my $3k estimate.
As to where to sell, the large auction sites will get you the best top price but after fees, maybe not more than you could get here on the Classified side of the Forum. Good luck.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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Jeff gave you good advise above.
As to the letter - I think a basic Historical letter will tell you about all that there is to know of guns in that era. Primarily, the configuration (e.g. class A engraved, smooth target presentation stocks, 6" Barrel, Target trigger and hammer, Patridge front sight), date and to whom it shipped (most likely a distributer).
As to value, my peg on a 6" barreled (probably the most common length), blued Italian contract engraved 27 would be somewhere between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on where and how it is sold.
If you decide to sell it, please make sure and read the rules for this forum and note that 1) you cannot list any links to live auctions, and 2) any selling must be done in the for sale section of the forum (subject to the rules posted in that section).
All the best,
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Here is a link to a similar gun that sold on GunsInternational...
*Unfired Smith & Wesson Factory Engraved Model 27-2 .357 Magnum w/ Presentation case and Factory Letter*
*Unfired Smith & Wesson Factory Engraved Model 27-2 .357 Magnum w/ Presentation case and Factory Letter*
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