I've been searching for proof that Smith & Wesson was the origin of the MOTTLED GRIPS.
I'm convinced it was the result of an accidental spill into the HR grips material that created this grip design.
Early Smith & Wesson MOTTLED GRIPS I have found have a very unique "Blotchy pattern" that resembles splattered paint. See photos.
I recently found this early Baby Russian (auction expired). I spoke with the seller and asked him to check the grips for a matching number. No number is visible. This is not unusual for the mottled grips.
He apparently broke the grip when removing it from the frame. This is an early Baby Russian. The earliest I have documented having mottled grips. The grips are correct in both fit and early pattern and I believe they are original. Notice the grip alignment pin hole is not altered. I have many years experience working on antique firearms and grips do not interchange without some form of fitting/alteration that very often involves that alignment pin hole being altered to fit!
This gun provides excellent evidence that Smith & Wesson did introduce the Mottled grip in the 1876/1877(early) time frame.
Murph
I'm convinced it was the result of an accidental spill into the HR grips material that created this grip design.
Early Smith & Wesson MOTTLED GRIPS I have found have a very unique "Blotchy pattern" that resembles splattered paint. See photos.
I recently found this early Baby Russian (auction expired). I spoke with the seller and asked him to check the grips for a matching number. No number is visible. This is not unusual for the mottled grips.
He apparently broke the grip when removing it from the frame. This is an early Baby Russian. The earliest I have documented having mottled grips. The grips are correct in both fit and early pattern and I believe they are original. Notice the grip alignment pin hole is not altered. I have many years experience working on antique firearms and grips do not interchange without some form of fitting/alteration that very often involves that alignment pin hole being altered to fit!
This gun provides excellent evidence that Smith & Wesson did introduce the Mottled grip in the 1876/1877(early) time frame.
Murph
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