Info Needed>>Shostle engraved model 66

[Bgoody]

Hello all, I am a new member here. I've been searching around for some info on a S&W model 66 I bought several years ago. I was referred to you guys and told y'all were the experts. The gun has been engraved by Ben Shostle, who, I understand, passed in 2006. From the research I've done his work seems to be very sought after. I bought the gun for $1100 about 5 years ago. I am planning on getting it appraised and insured one day. I'm just curious if I paid too much, or got a good deal. Also any info on how to go about getting a firearm appraised would be greatly appreciated.

 

[s&wchad]

Nice gun, I think you did just fine.
Ben Shostle is a well respected engraver who was featured in an old Gun Digest Annual in the custom/engraved photo section. I don't know which one off hand, but I do have it. It may take a while, but I'll see if I can find it. IIRC, he typically signed his work.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
That is a beauty. I know little about engraved guns or engravers but I think you did just fine with that one.
As far as appraisals go I think most people just ask at gun shops, gun shows or on forums like this one. I don't know where you are but we do have a gun appraisal shop here in Birmingham. You might check your area.
Good luck and thanks for showing it.

 

[Bgoody]

Thanks for the replies. The gun is signed in small letters on the opposite side from what is shown in the pic. I have taken the gun to the local gun show here in Montgomery TX. I had people telling me it was only worth a couple hundred all the way up to $3500, and that was a guy that collected factory engraved S&W's. He said he had definitely heard of Shostle and thought he was highly regarded as a great gun and knife engraver. I was just looking for a little more info. I really appreciate you guys responding. I love this gun. I hope it's something that stays in my family for many years after I'm gone. That's why I would like to get it insured. The insurance company needs a document of appraisal though,so I need to find where to get that done. Ill try the local gunships and see if I can't figure something out. Thanks again.

 

[bamabiker]

Google his name and you'll get some links about him and some of his knives and engraved guns that are for sale or that have sold. Looks like he was very well thought of which should help the value of your gun.

 

[Bgoody]

Here are a few more pics.

 

[Chipmunk6]

Beauuuuutiful piece, and don't worry about
all those scratches on it, they'll likely
buff right out. Nice gun.
Chipmunk6

 

[Terry]

Beautiful gun. Not sure what it is worth but you got a heck of a deal 5 years ago. Only problem with a piece like that, they set in your collection screaming shoot me, shoot me and you have to say no, no.

 

[ptgarcia]

That is one hell of a gun!

 

[gwpercle]

Now that is a first rate bar-b-que gun. Get a carved holster from El Paso Saddlery and you will be set. Thanks for posting the photo's.

Gary