"Got it lettered..." ???

[strider007]

Hey guys...I'm almost brand new to the world of revolvers, and I'm having a blast learning about them...especially here, on the forum. Lots of knowledge to be absorbed...it's fantastic.

I'm sorry if this question has already been asked and explained over ten-fold, but I've stumbled across this on numerous posts and I'm trying to understand it a bit better. From what I gather, getting a S&W revolver "lettered" means having it's history checked out, discovering pertinent information about it such as production date, ship date, etc. Is this correct, or am I missing something else here?

Please feel free to chime in on this, as I am eager to learn the true meaning of "getting it lettered."

Thanks, guys.

 

[OldK22]

You are not missing anything. that is what "getting it lettered" means. IMHO not worth it on new production pieces. May add some value on older pieces if the letter helps with historical provenance i.e. it shipped to some famous or infamous person. Also helps to verify if a gun shipped with the barrel length, finish, sights, stocks, etc. that are currently on the gun. The added value is up to the individual collector.

 

[strider007]

Thanks, K22...

So, does Smith & Wesson provide this service? The name Roy Jinks has been mentioned before on the same subject. I know that he's pretty much THE Smith & Wesson historian...is he the one who provides this info?

 

[OldK22]

No S&W does not provide this "service". Yes Roy Jinks is part of the letter process. The form is available on this site through the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation @ $75 per letter (only one gun per letter), only three guns per form.

 

[strider007]

Thank you again, OldK22...I really appreciate the help.