Identifying Engraving and Finish On This Model 57

[Akm427]

I recently got back into S&W revolvers currently owning an early 80s 586, 29, and a newer L-Comp 586. I just purchased a no dash 57 that is in excellent shape and have access to another 57 that the finish isn’t really that bad but not great.

I saw this 57 on the forum and fell in love with the engraving and finish. Is this a factory finish / engraving or was it performed by an individual post purchase? Sure is a beautiful pistol!!

 

[bamabiker]

I don't know the answers to your questions but man is that a beauty. Some more pictures might help the engraved experts answer your questions and will be appreciated by all.
Oh welcome to the forum. That's some entrance.

 

[bamabiker]

I saw this 57 on the forum and fell in love with the engraving and finish. Is this a factory finish / engraving or was it performed by an individual post purchase? Sure is a beautiful pistol!!

Oops, I need to pay attention to what I read.

 

[Model19man]

Looks like a non factory finish to me.

 

[RKmesa]

Welcome to the forum. That gun will most likely letter as factory engraved from the late 1970s or early 1980s, with a factory blue finish. It was probably engraved for the factory under a contract with Italian engravers. The beautiful grips are aftermarket, probably very high grade wood crafted by John (and Jennifer) Culina.

Here's a link to recent thread, showing another gun that was engraved in a very similar pattern (also most likely factory engraved under contract with Italian engravers):

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-r...ory-engraved-no-dash-629-a.html#post142117055

 

[22hipower]

This is another 57 from August 1979 (SN N617241) which letters as Class A factory engraving. It too, as RKmesa notes on yours, is probably another example of contract Italian engraving; the S&W letter will only tell you that it was factory engraved but not usually by who or where. Yours will probably have a small logo on the left side as this one does. Nice gun, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qxcBrH https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qxbKxH https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/