NineT6Delta
Member
Can anyone tell me if there is anyway to find out who did the engraving? Other than a factory letter? I've tried looking everywhere I can think of, but haven't located any identifying marks.
Factory engraved 66-1
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SuperMan
Member
From what I have seen a factory letter doesn't even give the engravers name... I have letters coming on two engraved 57s I purchased several years ago and will let you know if the engraves name is included but I expect not...
Bob
Bob
OP
NineT6Delta
Member
Thanks
Sounds good Bob. Let me know what you find out, I appreciate it.
Sounds good Bob. Let me know what you find out, I appreciate it.
Beautiful looking 66. The engraving and overall layout appear to be very well executed. Thanks for the cool pictures.
Based on the style of engraving, I believe your 66-1 is one of the contract-engraved guns that was sent to Italy for engraving. Other than possibly telling you that, I doubt if a specific engraver can be identified.
S&W contracted out some of their engraving beginning in the mid-70s in order to keep up with demand and minimize cost.
Bill
S&W contracted out some of their engraving beginning in the mid-70s in order to keep up with demand and minimize cost.
Bill
diamonback68
US Veteran
I just finished looking a Ditrina's two engraved 27s and I was going to say the same thing as Doc44, but he beat me to it. It certainly looks like from the same engravers. It's still considered factory class A engraving which is the important point.
OP
NineT6Delta
Member
Well you learn something new everyday. I never knew they sent them overseas for engraving. I just finished looking at Ditrina's thread and it certainly looks like they were done at the same place. That nickel one he's got is sweet! The nickel finish really makes that engraving contrast well.
I don't think you will ever find out exactly who engraved the Model 66 but it is a very nice looking gun. I would have to have a set of fancy stocks for it! 
OP
NineT6Delta
Member
Yeah I was thinking maybe a nice set of stags.
Unless you can find someone who makes stags in a target pattern, probably not. You're likely going to want stocks that conform with the engraving of the frame. Magnas will show bare metal. I would want a set of Keith Brown's Coke-type reproductions for that gun, but I am partial to wood anyway.
BJoe
Member
NEVER would have imagined that.SuperMan
Member
The two engraved 57s 4" guns I have were both made in 1980. The patterns are the same but not exactly so... Have only seen a about a half dozen engraved 57s and all of them were made in 1980...
...as an aside...does anyone know what the time is on receiving a S&W Letter? Sent mine in at least a month ago and have heard nothing...
Bob
...as an aside...does anyone know what the time is on receiving a S&W Letter? Sent mine in at least a month ago and have heard nothing...
Bob
Silver Dollar
US Veteran
The two engraved 57s 4" guns I have were both made in 1980. The patterns are the same but not exactly so... Have only seen a about a half dozen engraved 57s and all of them were made in 1980...
...as an aside...does anyone know what the time is on receiving a S&W Letter? Sent mine in at least a month ago and have heard nothing...
Bob
That's what I call absolutely first rate work.
Silver Dollar...nice pair of engraved Model 57s (both are contract-engraved like the 66-1, above). The waiting time for a factory letter is approximately sixteen weeks.
Bill
Bill
SuperMan
Member
Thank you Doc. I met an engraver in Pa. who said he did contract work for S&W...
The 4" N-frame .41 Magnum is my favorite DA revolver. I always wanted at least one engraved BBQ gun... When the blue one came up for sale a few years ago on GunBroker no one bid on it and the guy lowered the price until I finally could not stand it any more and bought it. Then about two years later the same thing happened with the nickel gun...
One of the Sellers on GB who always overprices his items by 30-100% had two engraved 4" and one 6" 57s. All were 1980 vintage. He wanted a grand more for his guns than I got my two for. I have only seen 2-3 other engraved 57s and only one of them was not an 80s vintage.
The nickel gun came complete in the original packing case. The blue one is missing the packing case and box but the presentation case is still in the plastic wrap.
Bob
The 4" N-frame .41 Magnum is my favorite DA revolver. I always wanted at least one engraved BBQ gun... When the blue one came up for sale a few years ago on GunBroker no one bid on it and the guy lowered the price until I finally could not stand it any more and bought it. Then about two years later the same thing happened with the nickel gun...
One of the Sellers on GB who always overprices his items by 30-100% had two engraved 4" and one 6" 57s. All were 1980 vintage. He wanted a grand more for his guns than I got my two for. I have only seen 2-3 other engraved 57s and only one of them was not an 80s vintage.
The nickel gun came complete in the original packing case. The blue one is missing the packing case and box but the presentation case is still in the plastic wrap.
Bob
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Rufus
Member
That is one beautiful Model 66!
