help identify S&W target grips

[Cattledog48]

I purchased a 5 screw pre 27 that came with smooth presentation grips which have had decorative diamonds inset into the wood...the smaller ivory diamond I have seen on grips for engraved pistols...the metal one I have never seen...anyone seen any grips like these ?



I also received a set of k frame grips that are unusual...they are very nicely checked but with no diamonds and the border is not straight on the bottom...



any help with these would be much appreciated

 

[Hondo44]

Both sets appear to have started life as factory smooth presentation target grips that were nicely customized!

By whom, we're not likely to ever know for sure, but some here may recognize the work.

 

[Cattledog48]

Both sets appear to have started life as factory smooth presentation target grips that were nicely customized!

By whom, we're not likely to ever know for sure, but some here may recognize the work.

Your input is MUCH appreciated...the wood and S&W medallions appear to be identical so your comment makes perfect sense...the inlaid diamonds, however, are easier to grasp as a customization than the exquisite fine checkering...
thanks again

 

[DWalt]

I agree. It is a near certainty that both pair are owner-customized factory "Presentation" smooth grips. Looks like the S&W medallions have been replaced on the second pair by the evidence of something like epoxy on the medallion discs (reverse side).

 

[handejector]

What do the backs of this pair look like?
The relief where the football normally is looks a little odd to me, and the medallions look too far to the rear. That may be just camera angle.

On this pair, the medallions seem really far to the rear-

This pair looks short on the bottom to me-

 

[weatherby]

Lee I'm thinking the top set is an early unrelieved set. Has flair at the bottom also.
I'd guess originally both inlays were ivory.
That metal larger one wasn't set nearly as well.

 

[Cattledog48]

Photo of back side of ivory inset grip


Internet photo of non relieved target grips



Internet photo of ivory triangle insert like mine

 

[weatherby]

Your internet photo is incorrect

There is a football cutout on that set.

 

[Cattledog48]

Sorry Uploaded wrong photo
This is the photo posted by Hoisser45 of the correct n frame grips
The medallion has quite a bit of offset

 

[Eddietruett]

I purchased a 5 screw pre 27 that came with smooth presentation grips which have had decorative diamonds inset into the wood...the smaller ivory diamond I have seen on grips for engraved pistols...the metal one I have never seen...anyone seen any grips like these ?

View attachment 553779

I also received a set of k frame grips that are unusual...they are very nicely checked but with no diamonds and the border is not straight on the bottom...

View attachment 553780
View attachment 553781
any help with these would be much appreciated

I love the checkered set. Wish they were in my stable.

 

[VM]

What do the backs of this pair look like?
The relief where the football normally is looks a little odd to me, and the medallions look too far to the rear. That may be just camera angle.

On this pair, the medallions seem really far to the rear-

This pair looks short on the bottom to me-

IMO, the third picture tells the story.
The interior cuts of the grip panels are crude and unlike factory grips. The epoxy and Lee's comment on medallion placement show merit but just look at the work that has been done on the inside….
They are nice grips but I do not think they came from Springfield.

 

[walter o]

If the medallions go through the hole in the washer they can't be offset
can they?

 

[Cattledog48]

Grips on pistol

Someone messaged me and asked for photos of the grips on my 1956 pre 27
At the end of the day the grips were one of the main reasons I bought the gun

 

[Cattledog48]

IMO, the third picture tells the story.
The interior cuts of the grip panels are crude and unlike factory grips. The epoxy and Lee's comment on medallion placement show merit but just look at the work that has been done on the inside….
They are nice grips but I do not think they came from Springfield.

The back of the diamond set is cleaner I believe they are original Springfield grips
I put photos of the backs together
I don't even have a K frame for the checkered grips but I was curious about them

 

[HeloMt]

I love the look of those k frame grips. Very classy checkering pattern.

 

[Doc44]

The right stock panel with the ivory, scrimshawed, diamond is like several pairs of stocks done by Alvin White. The left stock panel with the larger metal (?) diamond is a mystery. It may have been like the right panel originally, but was changed, and it also has a modified relieved area. Click on the photo below for a closer look at stocks done by Mr. White.

Bill

 

[RKmesa]

I have several sets with inlaid ivory. Here are a couple of smooth ones:













... and a couple of more sets that were carved on a bit:









I agree that the "ivory diamond side of the OP's grips looks "right" while the large metal diamond side looks to have been modified for some reason.

 

[VM]

The back of the diamond set is cleaner I believe they are original Springfield grips
I put photos of the backs together
I don't even have a K frame for the checkered grips but I was curious about them

Yes it is the K frame pair that I question

 

[Drm50]

I wonder what the metal diamonds are made of. From screw holes they look to be fairly thick. I've seen diamonds made of all kinds of materials inlaid in all kinds of guns. It must have been easiest for the Folk Artists.
Unusual that work of that quality would use two sizes. It's like there was a slip or chip, causing the bigger Diamond to cover up.