Can someone help me ID these grips?

[snapdragon8888]

I recently acquired these grips. They are carved mother of pearl with "Made in Japan" carved on the back. They appear to be either i-frame or j-frame round butt. The dimensions are approx. 2 3/4" long 1 1/4" wide.

Does anyone know how old they are or what gun they will fit?

 

[DWalt]

Likely intended for one of the earlier S&W top break revolvers. I can't get any closer than that.

 

[VM]

how about a pic of insides?
(those are pretty)

 

[snapdragon8888]

Ok, here are the insides. Thanks.

 

[VM]

they can't be I frame because of butt pin location.
Based on your measurements, I'd guess J frame.

Here's a easy comparison for I/J hole locations (I is on left)

 

[snapdragon8888]

Wow, that makes it pretty clear. Everything I'd been told had leaned toward i-frame, but it does look like the butt pin hole on my grips is not as close to the edge as it is on the i-frame grips.

Thanks!

 

[snapdragon8888]

Edited... never mind. Will check out j-frame. Thanks again.

 

[DWFAN]

Surprised no comment on the artwork. Mother of pearl is layered and very delicate. They are obviously for decoration only. Very intricate. That's Sunday go to meeting dress up right there.
DW

 

[snapdragon8888]

Yeah, totally agree. Our local gun club occasionally has open-carry meet and eats. I would just use this gun for those occasions, and then it wouldn't hurt to keep it in a drawer in the house when it's not being carried.

 

[lowhog]

I'll comment. Beautiful craftsmanship.

 

[gordonrick]

Really beautiful work. So those would be for your yakiniku gun, right? Dolled up with bright nickel and tooled leather.

 

[snapdragon8888]

Yep. I'll still take it to the range once in a while though because I believe in being able to shoot whatever I have.

 

[badshot48]

Those are really nice. I would find some standard stocks for the gun if taking it to the range and leave the pretty ones at home. It doesn't take much use to damage layered mother of pearl.

 

[snapdragon8888]

I still haven't picked out a gun. I'm looking for a minty-looking j-frame snubby, and I'll just use whatever stocks it comes with for target shooting. If by chance I get a j-frame and these grips don't fit, how bad can it be to have an extra Smith wheelgun in the collection?

Here's a question about aesthetics. Who thinks blued would look better with the MOP, and who thinks nickel? I keep going back and forth.

 

[-db-]

You should confirm they fit a J-frame. I'm not sure they do. I recall seeing the auction listing for these and something about them, the shape and curve of the front strap, just doesn't look S&W to me, but I may be wrong. An easy way to confirm fit would be to get ahold of a set of standard J-frame factory magnas and match up opposing panels.

 

[fat tom]

When I look at those,the word "exquisite" comes to mind. I wouldn't care if I had a gun for them or not. I would have no problem admiring them just as they are. THAT is art!
f.t.

 

[JSW]

When I look at those,the word "exquisite" comes to mind. I wouldn't care if I had a gun for them or not. I would have no problem admiring them just as they are. THAT is art!
f.t.

I second that!

 

[VM]

they can't be I frame because of butt pin location.
Based on your measurements, I'd guess J frame.

Here's a easy comparison for I/J hole locations (I is on left)

http://s126.photobucket.com/user/mpk62/media/pppp277.jpg.html

PLEASE TAKE db'S ADVICE IN POST 15 BEFORE BUYING A j FRAME

 

[paul s]

Im just amazed there is someone who does NOT own a J-frame S&W??

 

[Fishinfool]

I have always liked pearl / ivory on a polished blue gun, and dark grips, like buffalo horn or rosewood on a nickel / SS gun.

Those grips are beautifully carved, and for me, way too delicate to risk using at the range.

Larry