Letter of auth. & history

[hostler]

Is it worth $75 to get a letter of authenticity and a history report? I know that's a completely subjective question. I guess a better question would be for those who have done it, was it worth it or was it kind of "ahhh well".
I've got an older model 60 (probably around mid 70s). It was my step father's duty gun and later his off duty gun after he retired from a police department in KY. He had it well before I met him but his version was that the police department issued it to him and then let him keep it when he retired. It has no department markings on it.
I carry this gun on a regular basis, I think it would be interesting to find out what its history is but I'm on the fence as to whether it's $75 interesting. I don't know if a history report will tell who first purchased it, does a history report even go through the chain of ownership on a gun?

 

[Absalom]

The letter will only tell you the date on which the gun left the factory and to whom it initially shipped. This is most often a wholesaler or large retailer. Sometimes it can be a police department or other more interesting destination. The letter will also tell you the gun's original configuration, finish, barrel length etc., but that's usually of interest only on older guns that might have been modified.

The letter will not provide any history specific to your gun beyond that, although it does include a general summary of your model's history. I generally do not see the point of lettering a gun without a specific historic interest. I've only lettered a couple of guns made after I was born, and it was always to confirm a specific agency provenance I already suspected based on markings or other circumstantial evidence. Otherwise, the letter is just a very expensive sales receipt, actually with less info than a real receipt might have.

So if the department which issued this gun to your stepfather bought it directly from the factory, the letter would confirm that. However, that's not a sure shot either since many agencies buy through large distributors. So no guarantees. Your money, your call.

 

[loeman]

I think Absalom's post above is right on target as far as I'm concerned. I have a bunch of Smith and Wesson's but I've only felt compelled to get a letter on three of them, two Pre Model 27s and a Pre Model 39. All three of them were shipped to distributors. I'm glad I have the letters but they really didn't add much to their history. So unless you have a really special gun or want to know exactly how and where it was shipped, you may not want to spend the $75.

 

[29aholic]

I used to letter guns for people on here as a Karma on a regular basis. I always cautioned that lettering a post war gun more often than not was usually going to be disappointing for the reasons given above. However, I lettered three at one time for three different people. A Non-Registered Mag, a Pre-27, and a 70's vintage 29-2. The Non-RM was open on the books (no records), the Pre-27 went to a distributor, but the 29-2 was shipped to an Air Base in Germany. So, you never know.

 

[Camster]

I don't think that it merits a letter.
Something unique,something pre-war,and I'd be more inclined.

 

[boykinlp]

Just my personal opinion, I would not get a 70's gun lettered. As has been said, it more than likely was shipped to a large distributor.

I sent off for my third letter this week. It was for a 1948 Pre-Model 10. My other letters are for a very early K22 Outdoorsman and a 1958 Pre-Model 29.

 

[DWalt]

I believe that for the most part, the $75 is much better spent on ammo. There are some rare, unusual, or extraordinarily significant guns which clearly deserve getting a letter, but not very often do those show up for most people. In most cases, posting a query on this forum will elicit much of the information desired. And if your gun deserves a letter, many here will not be bashful in suggesting you obtain one.

 

[hostler]

Thanks guys. Good information and answers my question exactly.
I think I'll spend $75 on something else.

 

[gmborkovic]

OH! spring for the $75, a modest bar bill and they are kinda neat to get in the mail. Plus you scratch an itch. Best

 

[Bajadoc]

I will send you a pretty letter with a bunch of word salad for only $50. PM me.

 

[hardcase60]

It's like a dice game. You pay your money and you take a chance. There have been some "finds" recounted on this forum that at first glance wouldn't/shouldn't warrant a letter but once it was done either the history on the purchaser or the gun was extraordinary. Yes, on later guns you are less likely to glean as much interesting information. In your position you might want to start with a letter to the agency head from which the officer retired. Depending on the size of said agency that might yield as much info. or more. Maybe a copy of the invoice from the distributor or the armory card. hardcase60

 

[TheHobbyist]

Hostler,

Allow me to offer another perspective, although I agree with the feedback provided.

I would recommend writing down the information you stated and any stories, data, facts, you can recollect from your stepfather discussing this firearm (to build provenance). Additionally, any highlights of his career. $75 for a letter isn't a TON of cash. Consider getting your story written down and a letter for future generations.

Again, this is just a thought.

I bring this up because I have family that homesteaded, served in the military and law enforcement and have no information on some items I inherited.

 

[H Richard]

If you have a gun with an unusual configuration, (barrel, sights, etc.) a letter that may confirm those might be helpful in selling it. Normally any post war guns I don't letter, and only pre-war that are a little "different".

 

[sheepdawg]

I have a 66 no dash that was sold to me with the story that it belonged to a policeman that was killed in the line of duty. I got a letter from the seller saying such and how she came to be in possession of it. I paid the money (it was $50 then) and sure enough it added to the provenance, it was shipped to the Shelby County Sherriff's office in October of 1972, a little over 9 years before the patrolman was killed.

To me it was money well spent.

 

[Valmet]

Of the handful that I've requested, there has only been one that was kinda "why did I fork over the money for this" (late-70s Model 27). All of the others (4) I've been happy to know and have the history.

 

[Dump1567]

If this is a special gun to you that you may hand down one day to another family member, why not letter it. I know if I had a family heirloom gun, I'd want to know as much about it as possible.

As for a letter in general, depends on the gun. Sometimes you get a pleasant surprise.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I lettered most of my 44 Special's 3 are prewar, 1 post war and one came with the letter when I got it on GB plus a set of Heritage 44 target that not many were made. Just lettered the NIB one . All the other revolvers lettered were prewar and had some interesting things but that was when they were $50.
Since I reload the cost of ammo is not what I wast my money on...

I spend most of my money on gun's, woman and booze. The rest I wast...

 

[policerevolvercollector]

In the scenario you describe, I wouldn't letter it. If your step dad is still alive, get him to write the details down. If not, perhaps another family member with direct knowledge of his career will do it for you.

Best,
Charles

 

[Willyboy]

Letter

I got a letter on an early 4 digit sn model 41 and it was well worth it. The
pistol was shipped to Marshall Field department store in Chicago no less.
I think I would get my $50 ( price at the time) back if I sold the pistol
in the Chicago area for sure. Willyboy

 

[flagman1776]

I have a 7 shot Smith & Wesson Ladysmith Second Change made between 1906-1910... all matching, so good it might be a renickle.
Location is less than 100 miles from Springfield. I do wonder where the old girl has been in the last 100+ years. I've thought about lettering.