Help with condition and judging engraving

[Anonymouspdx]

Hi, so I picked up a pre model 27 with I believe an 8” barrel. It’s been engraved and I’ve heard varying opinions on the quality of it. Is sn# 78xxx and does have some wear from handling and shooting, probably 90% or better? I do know the grips aren’t very attractive. I’m not to familiar with older models and especially engraved guns. So basically trying to see if this is just a good range gun or if it’s worth finding proper grips etc and really taking care of it, or even selling it. So hoping to get some more information and opinions. Thanks.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Try this:
Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

 

[Anonymouspdx]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Try this:
Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

Thank you very much!

 

[paplinker]

Sadly I know very little about engraved guns but I would say if the edge of the engraving follows the exact line of the grips I would hold on to them.

 

[Truckman]

RK Mesa should be here shortly with the definitive word......Ben

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Agree w/you about stocks,but would hold onto them for above mentioned reason. Other than than no advice to offer.
On a more positive note....Welcome from Missouri!

 

[hdfinder47]

I know that I really like the engraving on your gun but there are very knowledgeable experts here who can be very specific.

 

[22hipower]

Is there a name or anything else engraved on the gold strip on the left side above the trigger? You might also look for an engraver's mark or initials or sometimes full name. That might be under the stocks, under the thumb piece or just hidden in the engraving. Some well lit in sharply focused pictures would be helpful. Is it worth finding better stocks and taking care of it? Sure would be to me. Looks like it might be quality engraving but with the fuzzy pictures it's hard to conclude much. RKmesa may recognize it but sharper pictures would sure help. Some of us here like engraved guns a lot. Welcome to the Forum.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Anonymouspdx]

Updated the pictures, hopefully things show up better in them. There was a stamping under the grip, HB don’t know if that could be the engraver or if that’s a manufacturer marks. On the brass plate is an S J or S T Brown, I assumed that was the original owner.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

The barrel length should be 8 3/8" long, measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. Without the experts checking in yet, I will give my guess that the engraving is post-factory. Those are not S&W stocks and if the engraving does indeed end at the top of them, it cannot be factory. The low resolution of the images make it hard to tell, but I think I see rounded engraving edges that are not nearly as precise and clean as factory work. If the engraving looks anything less than perfect to your eye, it is most likely not factory. I would try a set of factory Targets on the gun. They would cover the engraving edges and give the gun a better look.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! There are lots of .357 Magnum and Model 27 fans here, and more than a few collect engraved revolvers. As others have said, we're waiting for RKMesa to chime in...he's an engraved revolver aficionado! The engraving looks to be very well done, and "S J Brown" was probably the owner that ordered the engraving (probably not factory engraved). The engraver's initials or name may be hidden somewhere on the revolver's frame. I assume the s/n is actually S78xxx, which would date its manufacture to 1950-51. The wood stocks are definitely not original to the revolver, but may have been added at the same time as the engraving. I'm sure that others will be along soon to share their opinions.

 

[Model19man]

Thanks to Hawg Rider for posting the right side up image.