Barrel Markings

[MDubber_Master Engraver]

I have a Triple Lock hand-ejector .44 S&W sent to me by a plating company; re, to restore/hand engrave the barrel lettering that was partially polished off.

Will someone please fill in the blank letters (X) that are entirely missing...or correct any that I am miss-reading

SMITH&WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS USA
PAT'D MARCHXXXXXXXX94 MAYXXXXXXXXX
DEC. 22, 96 OCT. 8, 01 DEC XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thanks for your help.

 

[SAFireman]

I don't have the answer for you, but please post some before and after photos as there are several people who might send you some work.

 

[DWalt]

MARCH 27.94. MAY 21.95. AUG.4.95. DEC.22. 96. OCT.8.01. DEC.3.01. FEB.6.06. SEP.14.09. DEC.29.14
Not sure about whether these are correct for your TL. Others which have them will respond with better information, as different manufacturing dates may not have all these dates stamped.

 

[bmg60]

Hi
Here are three pictures of the lettering you should be able to get what you need from these.
If you send me your emaill I can email the JPG of these pictures.
Jim Fisher

 

[delta-419]

Triple Lock

Please post some photos of your work, particular the lettering. I too have a Triple Lock project that is 95% complete and will need some lettering work in the future.

 

[bamabiker]

He can certainly respond for himself but if you google Michael Dubber - engraver I think you will be impressed.
Beautiful stuff.

 

[Inusuit]

I'm just curious here and not casting aspersions on anyone. If a firearm is restored including a refinish and re-lettering, how do I as a prospective purchaser determine that such work has been done? I'm not an expert by any means, so it seems that I could easily be deceived that I'm buying an excellent condition revolver when in fact it's been redone by experts. And I then own a firearm with a reduced value because of the re-work? Just a question for discussion.

 

[arjay]

The less expensive re blues are pretty obvious and even the more expensive job is blacker than the original blue.

 

[glowe]

Jinks book states that 44 HE, 1st Models had patent dates ending with Feb 6, 1906 as Jim's photos also show.

 

[Art Doc]

Inusuit- It's sort of a combination of buyer beware and the honor system. It is possible for a truly masterful restorer to make an old gun look like new. It would be the duty of any seller to reveal the status of a gun being offered for sale. Does that mean it always happens? You tell me. I will say that the cost of such work often means the restored gun cost more than a perfect original example so a seller might do better advertising that Turnbull restoration as exactly that rather than misrepresenting it as in original condition.

 

[Art Doc]

Oh Lordy...I saw a couple photos of Mr. Dubber's work and it is magnificent. He did a double square bridge Mauser 98 that made my head swim it was so beautiful.

 

[bmg60]

Comment on refinish and restorations
I think the gun collecting world is starting to accept good Quality work more than they did 5 years ago. I base this on the prices that are being paid for refinished scarce guns.
Triple lock Targets and others that were limited in numbers. This is following the way the
Auto collecting world is going. There are only so many of a limited production. Not all the collectors that wants one in 98 or 99 percent are going to get one.
Jim Fisher