Engraved model 28 unknown engraver

[Gretschguy1637]

Hello to everyone, I have a bit of a conundrum. I have a model 28 in my possession that is fully hand engraved inlaid with 14 karat gold and came with original ivory grips. I purchased it 25+ years ago & the story I was told was that the firearm was utilized by a deputy chief, for the CHP who is in charge of their honor guard. Apparently according to the story, he found an engraver and created a gun that he wore only for special events

How much truth there is to that story I have no idea. The gun by serial number shows to be a 1958 model 28 I do know that Smith & Wesson did not engrave model 28s because they were considered to be duty weapons only.

if someone could take a look at the pictures I have posted, maybe they might have some information and point me in the right direction. I have checked just about everywhere that you would think someone might conceal or at least camouflage their initials or name but I am unable to find anything. comments directions or just plain help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all!

 

[bamabiker]

I cannot help you with the engraver but that's a beauty.
Where did the ivory grips go?

 

[Gretschguy1637]

The ivory grips still reside with the gun. However, when I take it out and do show it, I am concerned that the ivory could get damaged in one way or another. I picked up a set of stag grips that I still think look very nice on the fire arm, but I'm not as afraid of damaging them as I am the ivory.

 

[jcs266]

Beautiful! I'd sure love to hear what you learn about it. That's very interesting.

 

[Gretschguy1637]

I do have a factory letter that makes it very clear that policy during that time was that model 28s would not be engraved. I really can't find anyone who can tell me whether this might have been done locally like here in California somewhere or if perhaps, it was taken on as additional work on the side when the plant was not open. Something I've heard described as a back door gun.

Bottom line is I just don't know. I'm hoping the engraving "style" is something that will be recognized by someone who is an expert, which is NOT me. Again thank u all for any help u might be able to provide.

Stay safe.

 

[lestert357]

Ivory is actually very durable; that gun deserves to be displayed or shown with the ivory grips.

 

[weatherby]

We have a member here
RK Mesa he is very into engraved guns.
He's top notch perhaps PMing him may give some insight into possible engravers.

 

[Retired W4]

Hey, the front sight blade is not engraved. What's up with that?

Beautiful job.

 

[swagmeister]

That's a killer piece!!! A keeper for sure. Can't help with who the engraver was but he/she definitely knew what they were doing. Thanks for showing.

 

[22hipower]

As Weatherby says RKmesa may be able to offer some information. There are a few other engraved gun collectors such as Doc44 who may comment as well. Could you post some well lit close ups and the left side of the gun as well? Those might help.

Look very very carefully for an engravers mark, some hid them very skillfully. I have an engraved 25-2 on which I couldn't find an engravers mark but Doc44 was able to pick it out although I'm yet to discover whose initials they are. Look under the thumb piece and under the grips and everywhere else too. I have one by a well know factory engraver where I couldn't find his mark and eventually found his initials and last name very lightly engraved on the bottom of the barrel shroud. And often they were not marked at all. . . . Looks like a great gun! And yes, we need to see those ivories.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Mblhopo]

I like your gun a lot, I too would like to see the Ivories, Are you sure there real Ivory, The Stags look great too...............................................M*

 

[PALADIN85020]

It's beautiful - could be mistaken for an engraved Model 27 - the major differences were the finish and the checkered top and barrel straps.

John

 

[gmborkovic]

I cant quite see, but are the side plate screws engraved?

 

[ejjeff]

What an outstanding S&W revolver! Thanks for sharing and hopefully you will find more info thru this thread.

 

[Alk8944]

Beautiful revolver, but I cannot understand someone putting that kind of money into a Model 28 when at that time period he could have bought a new Model 27 for about $85 and really had a stupendous Barbecue gun, assuming the original owner bought this gun about 1958! Not putting your gun down in the least!

 

[22hipower]

Beautiful revolver, but I cannot understand someone putting that kind of money into a Model 28 when at that time period he could have bought a new Model 27 for about $85 and really had a stupendous Barbecue gun, assuming the original owner bought this gun about 1958! Not putting your gun down in the least!

Makes sense perhaps if you buy the story about the deputy chief and his honor guard responsibilities. If he had carried this gun on duty, which could have been the case, or knew someone else who had, he might have chosen to have that gun engraved given as that its history was more important to him than the model.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Truckman]

I cannot understand someone putting that kind of money into a Model 28 when at that time period he could have bought a new Model 27 for about $85!

My only guess would be for a law enforcement connection...A real beauty whatever the reason......Ben

 

[DGNY]

Warm welcome to you. indeed, a most distinguished and excellent post.

Simply beautiful.

 

[xray97]

I have an engraved 28-2 that I picked up a few years ago. I have no idea who engraved this either, but I like it.

 

[Gretschguy1637]

Ok better pictures, check. As to why an engraved 28? My answer is simply a Highway Patrolman would carry a Highway patrolman. It's a LEO thing.
When I started my first job after my ETS I quickly recognized the veterans carried 5in 27s and off duty 3 1/2in 27s. So I saved my $ and picked up the big N frames. Colt actually had USBP marked Troopers but those were hard to find…

Anyway that's a pure quess but LEOs are a bit weird when it comes to our duty weapons. BTW I am not much of a photographer but hopefully this will help you some.