Grandfather Left Me a Gorgeous .38 Special with an Inlay Gold Bear

Hello Shadoe and welcome to the forum.... besides all the beauty and love that the Model 60 represents... it is VERY important the you research the legality of you owning or even possessing the gun..

Although I do not live in California and cannot advise you.. I am sure that all local and state laws must be followed for you to own the weapon. I would urge to to follow the law, for you own sake and so that you may keep your Grandfathers treasure in the family...
 
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If I had to guess,,it looks like it could be some of Angelo Bee's work.
He's in Chatsworth, CA.
Been at it since the 50's and started as an engraver at the FN factory in Belgium/

Signs his work with a tiny 'ABee' or very small 'A' tied to an equally tiny (bumble)bee caricature.
He's cut thousands of guns and is not shy about putting gold inlay on them.
Here's his website link:
Angelo Bee Guns Engraving

Scroll down for 'contact' info. send him the pics and see if it's his work. He's a very busy guy and sometimes out on the road or out of the country but will get back to you.

Very nice looking revolver and a special keepsake.
 
wow, an attractive woman with a great gun. wanna get married?

just kidding (well mostly kidding)

My pal Dave Nash, also on the forum, should be able to tell you if the engraving is "factory" or not, and maybe who did it. His dad was an engraver and he's judged engraving competitions, so he's familiar with a lot of guys work.

Search his name and forward him a photo with the first part of the serial number and I'm sure he'll have an answer for you.

welcome to the forum

/c
 
Hello Shadoe and welcome to the forum.... besides all the beauty and love that the Model 60 represents... it is VERY important the you research the legality of you owning or even possessing the gun..

Although I do not live in California and cannot advise you.. I am sure that all local and state laws must be followed for you to own the weapon. I would urge to to follow the law, for you own sake and so that you may keep your Grandfathers treasure in the family...
Thank you I will look into that right away. I have several friends who are retired Torrance police, they should know. Thanks for looking out for me.
 
That gun should be cleaned, oiled and stored. Get advice on how to do that. You dont want to mess up that gun.People pay a lot of money for guns like that. You should then go get another revolver and learn to shoot that one. Keep your grandfathers as a keep sake.

Dont ever use it for home defense because if you shoot someone they will take it as evidence no matter how special it is to you.

Get a nice smith and wesson model 19(blue) or 66(stainless steel) in 2 .5 inch barrel or 4 inch barrel. That will serve you well for home defense.
 
That gun should be cleaned, oiled and stored. Get advice on how to do that. You dont want to mess up that gun.People pay a lot of money for guns like that. You should then go get another revolver and learn to shoot that one. Keep your grandfathers as a keep sake.

Dont ever use it for home defense because if you shoot someone they will take it as evidence no matter how special it is to you.

Get a nice smith and wesson model 19(blue) or 66(stainless steel) in 2 .5 inch barrel or 4 inch barrel. That will serve you well for home defense.
Thanks I have no intention of ever shooting it, I will have it looked at and oiled or whatever is necessary and put it back into my vault now that I have recorded the pictures. I just want to learn all of its stories! I appreciate the advice on a gun for home defense, but I hope to leave protection to the man in my life, if I ever find one! Honestly I can't imagine ever firing a gun. I know life is unpredictable and I may be put in that position one day, but I hope it doesn't happen. Scary. I need a protector instead! LOL I don't think my Yorkie will do the job although she thinks she can. :)
 
Hello Shadoe and welcome to the forum.... besides all the beauty and love that the Model 60 represents... it is VERY important the you research the legality of you owning or even possessing the gun..

Although I do not live in California and cannot advise you.. I am sure that all local and state laws must be followed for you to own the weapon. I would urge to to follow the law, for you own sake and so that you may keep your Grandfathers treasure in the family...

Shadoe, welcome from another SoCal resident. Ditrina gave good advice. Check out the California DOJ website and review the firearms ownership FAQs to make sure nothing disqualifies you from owning a gun. If there are no obstacles, find and download the form that is used for "Operation of Law" transfers. It is on the DOJ web site. This is the form that is used for recording gun inheritance and gift transfers between parents and children. Just fill it out and send it in with $19 and the gun is officially yours. (I'm simplifying this a little, but just read the relevant paragraphs and do it the way they say to.)

Nice gun, great story. I have a feeling the suggested Angelo Bee connection is going to pan out.
 
Looks like a Model 60 (stainless steel version of the Model 36 "Chiefs Special"). The engraving is nice but not spectacular until you get to that gold inlaid bear on the side plate.

Maybe someone who really knows engraving can ID the artist.
 
Shadoe,
I doubt I would have posted the need for some protector on this site....I have a feeling about 346 Smith totin' "protectors" are gonna end up on your doorstep!!!!
 
By the way I lived in VA for several years myself, lived in the Richmond area and worked for Reynolds Metals before they became Alcoa. :)

That's just 60 miles north of my adopted city of Fredericksburg, I still miss southern cal.....:(
 
Wow, I've lived in Virginia for the past 30 years and never saw a gun gal here as good lookin' as you!!!:D Virginia's loss is California's gain I suppose! That is a sweet looking Model 60. I would advise you to take some shooting classes through a local gun shop until you get comfortable with shooting, and try that little jewel out at a local range! Your Pap sure did have very good taste when he gave the specs on the engraving!!!!
Steve in Roanoke, VA

By the way I lived in VA for several years myself, lived in the Richmond area and worked for Reynolds Metals before they became Alcoa. :)
 
Shadoe, here's a link to the letter others have mentioned and comments on filling out the form. It would be a good idea as it would add valuable provenance to your gun.

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

Congratulations on a great family heirloom. You're a lucky girl.

Bob
 
Shadoe I would also like to welcome you to the forum. Sorry to hear about your grandfather. He certainly thought alot of you to leave you such a fine work of art. One that could save your life one day. Hope it is never needed for that purpose but if it is it will be there for you. You seem very excited about learning about your new gun. Remember you are just starting out in the gun world. We all have been where you are today and one day you will be where we are. After 30+ years of handling guns, being a Beretta Armorer, and a Firearms Instructor (trained at FLETC) there are still things that I learn about each day. Ask whatever questions you wish. Asking questions is one of the ways the "experts" learn.

On a side note I'm from Charlottesville and have been to Richmond hundreds of times over the years. I have passed many Reynolds office buildings there.
 
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