Engraved Triplelocks ?

[delta-419]

I have seen a number of beautiful Triplelocks that sport a whole range of engraving. Handejector has a great TL that is nickel and looks to have 50-75% coverage and sports a 4" barrel and ivory stocks. I love that gun, its a work of art. My question is: what style is the most common for the period of TL production (if there is a style?) Where can I find info on the style, etc. I have only one gun that is engraved and its a P-08 with German deep chisel "oak leaves and acorns", not appropriate for a S&W. As I have said in previous threads I am rehabing a 4" TL lettered in nickel and want to be sure that it is correctly period engraved. This project gun is for my own edification and will be passed down to one of my sons. Appreciate your comments.

 

[opoefc]

Get yourself some copies of the S&W catalogs of the period. They show different styles of factory engraving. Repo copies of these catalogs are available in the internet at very affordable prices. www.cornellpubs.com is an excellent source. Gun book dealers will also have copies of books showing engraved guns of the period, done by the masters, such as Nimschke and the Young family. Engraving styles popular then are also seen on Colts, Winchesters, Marlins, etc, and books on Colt & Winchester engraving will show styles similar to those found on S&Ws.
Once you select a style, You're not home free, however. Few of todays engravers have the skills to duplicate the old masters, and those that can are very expensive. Good luck, Ed