Grips - need help identifying the wood

[peterdeb]

I have two sets of grips taken off model 19's, nickel, circa 1979. I have studied grains of the woods but cannot tell whether they are rosewood(I doubt it), Goncalo Alves or walnut. The second set are of a different shade too, maybe even different kind of wood. I am no good at refinishing wood to make them match and am considering purchasing a matching dark wood set. Opinions welcome. Is the Goncalo Alves more desirable because it grips the hand better or just because it is a denser wood?

 

[Culina]

GA on the first set, mis-matched walnut on the second, or maybe they got mixed up somewhere after they left the factory

 

[murphydog]

I will defer to one of the stock making masters on his observations, but will also note that by the time of silver stock washers I do not think S & W was making walnut Target stocks - however, with S & W anything is possible. I have seen pretty ridiculous color mismatches on stock panels from the same gun too.

 

[2152hq]

I'd almost guess that set #2 was also GA.
Looking at the back side of the grips, the RH panel has the GA look/color of the wood. They are/were not all the best, fancy grain wood.
The LH panel color is looking like a big slab of the GA sap wood.

 

[Vtgw938]

S&W definitely was making both K & N walnut target stocks with the the silver stock circle inserts.

 

[peterdeb]

Grain of set #2

 

[Vtgw938]

OP:

End grain on the bottoms is one of best ways to compare wood species.

 

[Vtgw938]

Here is a comparison of walnut, goncalo and rosewood. There are many variations of each, so differences may not be as evident with other examples.

 

[peterdeb]

Here is a shot of the two sets I have. first set off 44Kxxxx. Second set off 46Kxxxx. Are both GA? Does the mis-match is shade come from the factory and make a difference in value?

 

[Vtgw938]

I'm not certain either are goncalo or both are. I can't see any evidence of cut pores on the bottoms but maybe it is the finish. Here is a set of goncalo that has similar waves in grain but when magnified they still exhibit evidence of pores through the finish.

But value wise, yes the mismatch will affect it since most people want them to be uniform. Yours is quite a mismatch.

 

[paplinker]

I believe both sets are GA looking at the end grain. A more plain cut is all.

I have found putting Howards feed and wax on the lighter panel and not wiping it off for a day or so will darken up rather nicely. Especially if its a set that is rather dry.

 

[Truckman]

I also use Howard's products...It's good stuff...And a little goes a long way......Ben

 

[Model19man]

The only kind of wood used by S&W in the late 1970's for handgun stocks was Goncalo Alves. Yours look pretty sad, maybe some cleaner or Old English would rejuvenate them some?