Markings on MOP stocks on Wolf & Klar 44

[quinn]

Has anyone seen these markings before? Done by the maker or by an owner?

Got a 3rd model 44 a while back shipped to W&K in October, 1932. It came to me with these pearls. However, some enterprising previous owner had epoxied the grip screw in place... reason unknown. My son was able to drill out the head of the grip screw so we could get the grips off.

They are the typical smooth MOP service stocks. The "AR" or "AB" appears on the inside of both panels. The "1928" appears on the right panel.

Any thoughts?

 

[jsfricks]

I've got a set that came on a 3rd model 44 special that was found in Fort Worth. I haven't lettered the gun yet but I'm pretty sure it's going to be a W&K. But the pearl grips have Roman Numerals carved in them, which I understand is common of W&K pearls.

 

[quinn]

I've got a set that came on a 3rd model 44 special that was found in Fort Worth. I haven't lettered the gun yet but I'm pretty sure it's going to be a W&K. But the pearl grips have Roman Numerals carved in them, which I understand is common of W&K pearls.

I have a set of carved steerhead/ruby eyed pearls that the the Roman numerals. I have heard that those are W&K. I have a couple of W&K lettered guns with jigged bone but no markings on the inside.

Are your pearls carved steerheads?

 

[jsfricks]

The pearls on mine are not carved, just smooth on the outside.

 

[tombstonegunsmith]

I had a 1921 Wolf & Klar Colt SAA nickel and factory engraved that had steer head pearls with ruby eyes. Those grips had Roman numerals also.

 

[charlies]

May I suggest it was the initials of the original owner? I know I initial some of mine. The script indicates early school penmanship.