66-1 grip backstrap

[krsmith58]

Gentlemen , i was offered a possible trade from a fellow with a model 66-1 . so as usual i try to do my homework on the net and glean a little info so as to not go to meet for deal and not know at least a little about said model . while looking on gun broker , comparing prices and such , i come across one 66-1 with a checkered backside of grip frame . much like you would see on the top of barrel and frame of a model 27 . so that's my question . is that possibly a factory offering or maybe something custom done . i can't recall seeing anything like that on any Smith before but i am a babe in the woods on the subject .
thanks ,kenny,texas

 

[Alk8944]

Never saw a Model 19 with anything but straight grooved grip straps. I would expect this to be custom work. If it is good clan checkering I wouldn't be put off if I was buying it as a shooter. If you are buying for future collector value I wouldn't even consider it.

 

[CH4]

Sounds custom to me. I was thinking of having the same done to one of mine a couple years ago.

 

[phonejack]

My -1 is straight grooved