HOW DO I DETERMINE THE ENGRAVER ON A FACTORY ENGRAVED S&W 66-1?

[KEVCON]

I think I am in the right forum as the S&W 66-1 left the S&W factory on July 18, 1980 according to a letter from S&W dated February 10, 1981.

I have a six inch, factory engraved (class A), stainless steel 66-1 (pre-lock obviously) that I would like to find out who at S&W engraved it.

Poking around in other forums I've heard others have found the engravers initials and/or name under the grips. I took my grips off (photos below) and I can't see anything obvious. Just a bunch of stampings that do not mean anything to me.

Do any of you know how to determine the factory engraver that did the class A work on my 66-1?

Does anyone know what all of of the stampings on the frame under the grips means?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mojave30cal]

You might want to post some clear close up pictures of the
engravings on the barrel and other spots to help the experts
make that determination for you. They will be along shortly.

 

[H Richard]

It's my understanding that S&W didn't let the engravers put their mark on the gun to identify the engraver if it was an in house engraver. Those here that specialize in engraved S&W's may be able to recognize the work, in conjunction with the timing the engraving was done.

 

[KEVCON]

The letter from Roy Jinks, dated February 10, 1981, indicates it was shipped from the factory on July 18, 1980 with class "A" engraving. The blue cardboard box (with silver accents) is marked the same.

 

[Doc44]

KEVCON...Based on the style of engraving, your 66-1 was engraved by a contract engraver in Italy. This was a common practice by S&W in the late 70s and 80s.

Bill

 

[rusty37874]

Did it by chance ship to International Distributors Inc. in Miami, FL. ?
I didn't notice mention of the Ser. number, but it might fall in the 57K87xx range.

 

[KEVCON]

Thank you Bill for the information (sorry for the delay - I didn't touch a computer all weekend). Roy's letter states "factory" engraved. So I'm guessing a contract engraver was still considered a "factory" engraver? When imported back to the USA was it shipped back to S&W directly?

Thanks!

Kev

 

[Doc44]

All of S&W's contracted engraving is considered factory engraving. After completion, each handgun was shipped back to S&W.

Bill