Label on Model 19 box

[Aussie Bruce]

I have recently acquired an engraved Model 19 made in 1980 which came with the original box. The label on the box seems to indicate that the engraving is level C coverage but the gun has more than the 25% coverage I would have expected if this were the case. The box does have addition markings I do not understand and am hoping someone can help. I will try to post photos of the gun and the label.

 

[Aussie Bruce]

SILLY ME

NOW THAT THE THREAD HAS BEEN POSTED I CAN SEE THAT THE SECOND PHOTO IS OF ANOTHER GUN BUT I GUESS YOU WILL STILL GET THE MESSAGE

 

[murphydog]

It looks to have a standard original label. The handwritten x674 code may indicate an engraved gun or an order number (?), and the 6479 looks to be an add-on, perhaps at the distributor or dealer to which it shipped as an inventory number.

I suspect a factory letter will not resolve these mysteries, but someone here with a similar engraved gun and the original box of the same era might. Nice find, by the way . Hope this is helpful.

 

[Doc44]

For comparison, this 19-3 is also Class C engraved.

Bill

 

[Aussie Bruce]

thanks

Greetings Bill,
Many thanks for your reply and photo. I think this resolves the question and that my Model 19 has Class C engraving. I thought it might have been more because I have a Model 14 (picture attached I hope ) with less engraving that I thought had C coverage. I am still mystified about the X674 which appears on the label as this appears to be factory unlike the 6479 which I assume is a retailers mark

 

[Texas Star]

Is that definitely S&W factory engraving?

 

[Doc44]

Texas Star...Beginning in the mid-70s, S&W contracted out some of their engraving to a firm in Italy. The Model 19 in the first post is one of these contract-engraved revolvers, but it is factory engraved and will letter as such. The engraving on the Model 14 looks like factory engraving, but only a letter would verify that it is.

Bill

 

[Doc44]

Regarding the X674, I have a Model 60 that was custom engraved and inlaid with gold by S&W. I have the original invoice and it shows ENG K912. The box label is marked K912 custom. X674 most likely identifies the engraver or the level/style of engraving (to S&W).

Bill