Are these real S&W Medallion Pearl Grips?

[BMur]

Several years ago I purchased an auction lot of real Pearl grips in various sizes and shapes. Basically a pile of them.

I used most of them to replace cracked/broken grips from projects.

I was cleaning up my work area and went through parts etc. decided to look closer at what Pearl grips I had left and noticed this set among the pile.

I've never seen copies of Smith & Wesson Pearl grips with Medallions but I'm also not sure about these. The Pearl grips are real and fit an early Smith & Wesson 38 TB revolver.
I looked closely at them and they aren't exactly the same as most of the S&W Pearl grips I've seen but looking into the Medallions it seems there are different examples. Different designs.

Could this be an early example?
European copy? I've never seen one.

Photo 1: Suspect Medallion on Real Pearl Grips

Other photos: Examples of different authentic or claimed authentic Smith & Wesson Pearl grips. Notice differences in the style, background, color, etc.

Murph

 

[STCM(SW)]

My one that lettered with them...

 

[opoefc]

Murph, Interesting question. I have noticed slight differences in medallions over time in S&W stocks, pearl (and wood) , but alway assumed that it was due to different time frames and manufacturers , as I didn't see any upside in faking S&W pearl stocks, however your example #1 does not look original. How is it attached, as compared to the other examples ? Ed

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Murph, are the medallions of the deep dish or flat variety?

 

[Club Gun Fan]

George, the nickel set are almost flush. Enlarge the picture, you'll see.

 

[glowe]

They are definitely not early S&W small gold washed medallions as they were dished. The later and larger 1910s S&W medallions were also dished. This means that there was a rim around the outside and the medallions were actually set below the surface of the stocks, like the 3rd and 5th medallions in your pictures.

I can add that the silver S&W medallions were introduced in 1930 and continued after WWII. There was a combination of back-up materials used with the "silver" plated medallions like brass, plastic and other base metals. They were flush mounted and, if worn or cleaned the plating would come off the brass ones, showing yellow and not silver with wear.

 

[BMur]

European Copies?

The Pearl grips are well made and the Medallion Is center pin mounted through the Pearl material. So the Pearl has a hole in it. They aren't glued to the Pearl. So that takes some manufacturing effort. They aren't dished the logo is flush stamped.

The Medallions appear to be brass and likely were at one time plated. They are definitely very old and I would guess Pre-1900. No way to be certain since they were off the original gun but they fit a Smith & Wesson DA/SA antique 38 frame very well so I'm guessing it came off an unidentified TB in 38ca.

I can't post any additional photos until next week but they fooled me at first glance but looking at other photos of authentic examples suggests this might be an elaborate European copy. If it is they sure put forth a good effort!

They look nice. I was hoping they might be an early example but I suppose they don't fit the known pattern? I don't know but they are interesting.

Why would a European gun manufacturer go to this much effort? Sure is a quality counterfeit. I don't see the benefit except to fool a gun buying customer to perhaps pay more than they should.

Murph

 

[gmborkovic]

The grips were made in Spain and put on European knock off S&Ws that were sold in South America. Remember seeing a Belgian S&W with those exact pearls. Now just remember Im 75 yrs. old and wear a bracelet with my name and address on it.