It's amazing...

[Doc44]

how changing the stocks on a S&W can change its overall appearance. This factory engraved and inlaid (in Germany in 1957) came with fairly dark stocks made of Goncalo alves. The lighter areas in the zebrawood seem to pick up the gold inlay and the entire revolver takes on a different look.

Bill

 

[mojave30cal]

Man, you're not kidding.

 

[Nframecollector]

Pretty sharp looking! How does it look with the GA stocks?

 

[Art Doc]

That's called complimentary colors. The repetition in the inlaid design is called rhythm.

Art major...

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Who made the Stocks?

 

[jinx]

Wow! Can I have it?

 

[Doc44]

KB stocks.

Bill

 

[29aholic]

I love the inlays on that gun.

 

[RKmesa]

This factory engraved and inlaid (in Germany in 1957)...

Bill:

I love the KB's!!! I too love the engraving and the inlays. Do you happen to know who the engraver was?

Thanks,

 

[gaucho1]

Although the stocks are very nice and interesting in their own right, I think they detract somewhat from the unbelievable engraving.

The Revolver radiates deep and refined artistic values.

The stocks are somewhat loud and coarse in contrast.

That said, The package is still very beautiful and I truly admire your
photography skills and always breathtaking presentations.

Thank You
John

 

[Rick Bowles]

Although the stocks are very nice and interesting in their own right, I think they detract somewhat from the unbelievable engraving.

The Revolver radiates deep and refined artistic values.

The stocks are somewhat loud and coarse in contrast.

That said, The package is still very beautiful and I truly admire your
photography skills and always breathtaking presentations.

Thank You
John

I must respectfully disagree. Artistically, the Zebra wood stocks are striking, as is the engraving. They are completely complimentary and carry the "theme" throughout the revolver.

 

[Doc44]

Richard...I only know S&W sent the revolver to Germany for the work. Possibly to Waffenbach, but that is only a guess. Sigfried Rentzschke looked at photos of the gun and said no one at S&W had the skill to do the work requested and that is why S&W sent the revolver to Germany. The engravers on staff at the time were himself and Russ Smith.

I have over ten documents concerning this revolver. They include the order to Rex Firearms, letters to S&W, etc.

The Manager of Rex Firearms stated this 44 Magnum was the best engraved gun he had ever seen.

Bill

44 Magnum with original stocks.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Doc44...you have some nice stuff. Please show and tell the first one you acquired, if you still own it.

 

[Doc44]

The first S&W 44 Magnum I purchased was in the summer of 1973. It was new in the presentation case and had an 8 3/8-inch barrel and bright blue finish. It's serial number was in the N73000 range. I had been searching for a Model 29-2 for over five years since becoming interested in this model in 1968 when I lived in Missoula, MT. I was able to purchase a Ruger Super Blackhawk in late 1968, so I did have a 44 Magnum to shoot.

I kept it for about four years before trading it in on a near new Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel and a serial number in the S284000 range (originally shipped in 1968). From there, things escalated to where they are today. I kept this 29-2 for around ten years before trading it.

Bill

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Richard...I only know S&W sent the revolver to Germany for the work. Possibly to Waffenbach, but that is only a guess. Sigfried Rentzschke looked at photos of the gun and said no one at S&W had the skill to do the work requested and that is why S&W sent the revolver to Germany. The engravers on staff at the time were himself and Russ Smith.

I have over ten documents concerning this revolver. They include the order to Rex Firearms, letters to S&W, etc.

The Manager of Rex Firearms stated this 44 Magnum was the best engraved gun he had ever seen.

Bill

44 Magnum with original stocks.

I don't know Bill.....I think I like the smooth unrelieved Rosewoods more I like how the Gold inlay fits the radius of the top of the stocks perfectly.

 

[Doc44]

While I may change stocks on a revolver from time to time "for effect", I always keep the originals and go back to them in the end.

Bill

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Sooo much gun porn.............Excuse me gentlemen. I must go change now.


Nice pistols BTW :-D

 

[M29since14]

...Sigfried Rentzschke looked at photos of the gun and said no one at S&W had the skill to do the work requested and that is why S&W sent the revolver to Germany. The engravers on staff at the time were himself and Russ Smith.

That's interesting. It would be nice to know what about this particular job was beyond the level of skill of the two engravers you mention. Do you suppose really it was more a matter of just not wanting to devote the time it would take to do the job because of the press of other work?

 

[Doc44]

I only know what I was told. The revolver took over 120 hours of engraving and inlay time to complete. I am sure if time to do the project was the issue, it would have been stated. I am sure the factory engravers were under some pressure to "get their product out the door" and perhaps that is why most left after a few years.

Bill

 

[M29since14]

Thanks, Bill. I too really like the looks of the gun with the original stocks but as you say, changing the stocks around does create a different impression of the gun and the gold inlays.

 

[Old TexMex]

The effect is definite. I showed the two pictures to a friend, and he was under the impression they were distinctly different guns., he even said "well, the engraving is different". He has a number of beautifully engraved shotguns and drillings, so I thought I'd try him out, and he was stumped. (Until I let him see the whole thread)

 

[gaucho1]

The effect is definite. I showed the two pictures to a friend, and he was under the impression they were distinctly different guns., he even said "well, the engraving is different". He has a number of beautifully engraved shotguns and drillings, so I thought I'd try him out, and he was stumped. (Until I let him see the whole thread)

Definitely a distinct difference in feel between the different stocks.

Either way, unbelievable.

Doc always knocks my socks off. He does own my personal favorite S&W

 

[texmex]

Do you put Hogues, Jay Scotts or Pachmayrs on it when you shoot it? I'm thinking Jay Scott genuine faux mother of pearl with a gold anodized Tyler T Grip adapter. I'd love to see a picture of it with the Jay Scotts.

 

[ebm1973]

Sweet revolver. The new grips are just perfect. I don't think I'd ever switch back.

Eric

 

[Joe Kent]

Simply STUNNING!