Factory Engraved Model 57

[Shotgunner]

I had put off buying a factory engraved Smith N frame for a long time. This one came up and I could not pass. I got it in a mahogany display case. Is this original? Would it have been in a blue box? Am I correct id guessing that this is A engraving? Do you know who would have done the work? Shotgunner

 

[Shotgunner]

Picture

The other side

 

[Doc44]

How old is the Model 57? Part or all of the serial number would help. That will help determine the engraver. The 57 would have shipped in a Mahogany case. Does the revolver point to the left on right in the case?

Bill

 

[gmborkovic]

two pics and no Sn. and you want this info? Help us.

 

[Shotgunner]

N prefix

The serial number is N 797**. It is of course a no dash gun. the barrel points left in the case. Shotgunner

 

[RKmesa]

Congratulations!!! I love the engraved guns and the long-tube ones are some of my favorites. Based on the serial number, your gun most likely shipped in the 1973ish time frame. The photos are not detailed enough for me to make out the patterns, some more close up photos of the engraving detail would be helpful in giving a guess as to who engraved it. In the early 1970's Tom Freyburger and Russ Smith were both factory engravers.

For comparison, here are a few of my Factory engraved guns from that era...













I look forward to a few more detailed photos...please

 

[Doc44]

It is difficult to see the engraving in detail from the photos, but Tom Freyburger is most likely the engraver.

Bill

 

[Shotgunner]

close up

more pictures

 

[sholsclaw]

Would Smith or Freyburger not have signed their work under the
grip? Just looked at a Mod 29 with full "A" engraving. in a
mahogany box, with bbl pointed to the left. Unfired from the
factory. Too much for my wallet at $4500. 8 3/8 .bbl. Did not
ask for SN. Was price out of the realm of reason? I'm assuming
that an engraved piece from the factory will have documentation
or is that a bad idea?

 

[Shotgunner]

How old is the Model 57? Part or all of the serial number would help. That will help determine the engraver. The 57 would have shipped in a Mahogany case. Does the revolver point to the left on right in the case?

Bill


Bill

To be clear I never asked how old it was. I have been collecting N frames for over 30 years, I have more then 50 of them. I know when the N prefix guns were made. All I asked was if the box was original and who did the work. Sometimes these forums can be condescending.

 

[Doc44]

I asked how old the revolver was because you didn't state that in your original post. Age would help determine who engraved it as different engravers worked at S&W at different times (for limited periods of time).

Bill

 

[Shotgunner]

I bought a mate to this one, a model 19. They look real good together.