Ajax Stag grips

[italiansport]

I have a pair of Colt SAAs that came equipped with Ajax stag grips. However I can't tell if these are real stag or artificial. Are there any tests or whatever I could perform to determine this? Thanks in advance!
Jim

 

[Mule Packer]

When you say "artificial" stag, do you mean plastic? Or do you mean real Sambar stag vs. red stag or elk or jigged bone? If you're referring to stag vs. plastic or polymer, it's pretty easy. Just remove the grips and look at the back. Stag, elk, and bone will tend to be a little rougher on the back and you will be able to see the grain or texture of the natural material. Plastic or polymer will be smooth and you won't see any grain.

Being able to tell Sambar stag from other types of stag or elk is usually a little more difficult. I have both and while some individuals who are much more discerning than I am can tell the difference, I have a real tough time.

I have at least two pairs of Ajax stag grips and, if I remember correctly, Ajax used real stag when they were in business. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[italiansport]

Thankyou Mule Packer.
I will post some pictures front and back as soon as possible.
I think they're real stag but wasn't sure.
Here's the pictures.
Jim

 

[klausinak]

Those are real antler, you'll have to wait for someone better than me to tell you what type for sure. Though to my untrained eye they look a lot like Sambar.

 

[-db-]

Those are real vintage Sambar stag, from back when Ajax was doing good things.

 

[italiansport]

Thanks to all who responded. I just took a look at what these currently sell for and it blew me away.
I guess it does pay to get out of bed on some days!
Jim

 

[Mule Packer]

Italiansport, thanks for posting the pictures. Yep, those look like real Sambar stag to me. I have a pair that look very similar (see below), but yours have a little more bark to them. They look nice. Congrats on the good find.

 

[Texas Star]

I just eyeball them and the difference is obvious. Even elk antler has a different grain and appearance than Sambar. Both are members of the genus Cervus, but differ in antler composition.

If you can't tell stag from plastic, that's pretty sad. It reminds me of those people I've met who probably can't tell the difference between Chateau Latour and Boone's Farm wines. Alas, I know one.

I can see mistaking stag for a substitute in a movie or on TV, but never in person. I just can't understand that. But it happens.

How do you tell the difference between a Model 28 S&W and a Model 27? If you can learn that, you can learn to distinguish real stag antler. I hope...

 

[italiansport]

Well excuse me:
I had a 2,000 bottle wine cellar(before relocating to Arizona) at one time and not a drop of Boone's farm wine in it.
I have not owned a pair of real stag grips before but I've owned and seen what can be done with faux ivory and it would give many pause.
Furthmore; I went to the current Ajax site and they don't offer any real stag grips today so I had no idea they made these real ones at one time.
So please excuse my ignorance

 

[Texas Star]

I can't speak for their whole line, but have seen real stag under the Ajax brand. They used to have large displays at a gun show here.

Sorry if I ruffled your feathers. But questions like that just baffle me. Bonded ivory grips may confuse more when compared to the real thing. But most substitutes are pretty obvious to a trained eye.

I guess the solution is to examine a lot of the real thing and a lot of fakes. You'll probably learn to distinguish them. Good luck.

 

[arjay]

Nice grips and I thought Ajax only did synthetics.

 

[Old TexMex]

Jim,
I've seen hundred dollar bills that even texasstar couldn't tell the difference, so don't let anyone BS you. There are misrepresentations and phoneys galore.

There are no stupid questions.

Sounds ( and looks) like you have a nice pair of well shod SAAs, congrats on your find!
Let's see the pair, please