Engraved 3" m19-2

[xray97]

I have a friend who wants to sell this gun. The engraving is non-factory and is signed "Billie Weems" (unfortunately this is on the left side of the top strap). The gun appears to be in excellent condition but the quality of the engraving is questionable based on these poor pictures. I plan on taking a look at the gun in the near future but have no idea what an equitable price would be. I'd sure like to own a 3" model 19, any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[murphydog]

A tough one to value. The gun is rare as you know, but the price would seem to hinge on the quality of the engraving. Hard to return this one to factory spec with cold blue .

Perhaps Billie Weems was the previous owner, not the engraver?

 

[xray97]

That was one of my first thoughts too but, although you can't read it in the pictures, it says "Eng. Billie Weems" (should have made that clear in first post). I found an obituary for a Billie Jean Weems, from Texas, who engraved rifles and pistols with her husband Cecil Weems. That's all the information I've located thus far.

 

[GJHIII]

A serious question from a simple guy.

I don't mean to insult anyone but would'nt the carving and engraving be effeminate on this pistol ? Just trying to become as sophisticated as everyone else here and learning all the time. Thanks.

 

[fat tom]

Well,it's different. Wouldn't mind havin' it myself. What is that on the sideplate,a Pronghorn?
f.t.

 

[GJHIII]

I think it shows a button buck and a resting doe on one side and a bear on the other. I don't know what to make of it, but it is sure eccentric.

 

[xray97]

I was told the engraving is antelope on one side, bear on the other side, and a deer (not pictured) on the back strap.
As for the engraving being effeminate I guess it's just a matter of taste. I have floral carving on other guns and make holsters, as a hobby, with floral carving. Never thought of them as effeminate but I'm sure they're not everyone's cup of tea.

 

[GJHIII]

To have done this to such a rare piece, someone must have cared tremendously about it. I imagine this pistol has quite a story.

 

[murphydog]

I don't mean to insult anyone but wouldn't the carving and engraving be effeminate on this pistol? Just trying to become as sophisticated as everyone else here and learning all the time. Thanks.

These are pretty traditional themes for engraved guns, and one can admire the skill and patience it takes to perform this kind of work on metal with no do-overs. All those curves are tough to do, and even tougher to do correctly!

 

[GJHIII]

I've been known to turn and carve wood bowls in the worst of winter and appreciate the skill and artistry involved. Those that receive these bowls never seem to use them, they just admire and display them. While the above mentioned piece appears to have been pretty well handled, are these pistols used as such or are they kept as works of art and simply displayed as such? I'am beginning to see more and more of these engraved guns at local gun shows and they have aroused my curiosity, as I do appreciate the craftsmanship. But can't imagine taking one to the range.

 

[davidrepeterson]

I'm one of those people who will use what I purchase regardless if it is rare. With that said, I would be proud to own a rare piece like that, engraved by Bille Jean Weems. With her signature on the top strap. I read her obituary. She appears to have been a very gifted person. I don't think that her work would diminish the value. Not to me it wouldn't. I would though...I'd most likely shoot some Elmer Keith hot loads through it. ..at least a few.

 

[blujax01]

BBQ Gun

I don't mean to insult anyone but would'nt the carving and engraving be effeminate on this pistol ? Just trying to become as sophisticated as everyone else here and learning all the time. Thanks.

There is a term "BBQ Gun" which is exactly as it sounds. Not unlike dressing in your "Sunday Go To Meetin' clothes", BBQ guns are meant to be worn open carry and passed around at a BBQ for one and all to admire.

Shown above is a fine example.

By the way, fancy boots are important, too.

 

[brucev]

I very much like K-frame .38/.357's. If I saw this 19-2, especially since it has a 3" barrel, I'd buy it. Price? Given that it was a friend, if it were in very good to excellent mechanical condition, I'd be willing to go the price of a equivalent 3" 19-2 w/o engraving. Why? I like the revolver and to my eye, the engraving adds to it. JMHO.

 

[m.pieroni]

firearms forum

Saw this on the revolver from 2003:
S&W 19-2 Engraved by 'Weems' - TheFirearmsForum.Com

 

[fyimo]

I think the revolver was probably commissioned by someone to have her do the engraving and to them it was worth the price they paid for the revolver plus the engraving work. There may even be a small group of gun collectors that collect her work and would pay a decent premium price for this revolver. But other then that I don't think the engraving would bring any kind of premium over the value of a 19-2 in similiar condition and to many would actually lower the value of the revolver.

 

[BE Mike]

Don't engravers usually leave a smooth line on the cylinder where the cylinder bolt rests (turn line)? This looks engraved in that area.

 

[Stu Honea]

I think a classical beauty was ruined forever.Sorry,just my own feelings.To me,the engraving is too heavy and covers too much of the gun.Hard to judge the actual quality of the engraving without a personal examination .

 

[geraldo]

CURIOUS ! what is he asking for the revolver ?

 

[old bear]

As we all know the 3" M-19's are rare birds and can bring quite a premium price, but the aftermarket engraving, no matter how well done, will detract greatly from any collectors value the weapon may have had. IMHO, this is one of those truly unique firearms that is only worth what someone with the desire and funds to own it is willing to pay for it.

Please let us know what happens to it.

 

[xray97]

CURIOUS ! what is he asking for the revolver ?

He said he's been given opinions ranging from $1200-$2400. He asked me what I thought it was worth. I' d like to make him an offer that is fair to both of us.
I'll be sure to follow up after I've seen it and, if it's mine, post more pictures.