Model 14-3 and Disassembly Surprise or Ode to Gerd W

[saintarctangent]

Won a 14-3 off GunBroker. Probably paid too much, but it looked in really good shape. Had some strange proof marks and was C&R.


Took it apart to clean and inspect - and discovered the previous owner had written his name on the inside of the grips!



That explains the ‘W’ scratched into the bottom of the grips as well.



All cleaned and inspected, she’s ready for life with me, now. Gerd Winter, wherever you are, I’ll take good care of her!

 

[Topduarte]

Surprises are always a treat. Congratulations

 

[CALREB]

Are they some kind on import marks. See those kinds of stamps on guns from Europe to USA.

 

[Truckman]

Gerd Winter, wherever you are, I’ll take good care of her!

Gerd Winter is Professor of Public Law and the Sociology of Law at the University of Bremen Department of Law. He directs the Research Center for European Environmental Law as well as a section of the Collaborative Research Center 'Transformations of the State' at the same university.

He seems to be a bit busy in life as a Professor of Law at the university in Bremen, and writing several books...But I'm sure he'll sleep better knowing his former shootin' iron found a good home......Ben

 

[saintarctangent]

Are they some kind on import marks. See those kinds of stamps on guns from Europe to USA.

Not sure. I was hoping a more knowledgeable forum member would comment.

Coming from Europe makes sense given the name I suppose.

 

[Retired W4]

Old Gerd certainly was busy.

After looking through The Standard Directory of Proof Marks by Gerhard Wirnsberger I did not come up with the definitive answer, but it appears your revolver may have originally gone to Austria then reimported to Germany in 1974. That is just a guess on my part at this time as the barrel mark is still a mystery to me. My reference usually nails it down quickly but not this time.

Are there any import marks from when the gun came to the U.S. if in fact it is now here in this country?

 

[saintarctangent]

TAI Minot, ND imported.

There’s also this.

 

[Retired W4]

I would suggest you contact The Attic Inc. (TAI)

2800 S Broadway Po Box 367 Minot, ND 58702-0367

as they were the importer and should have the pertinent information on you revolver.

The mark below the 4 line address has me stumped.

 

[gator59]

 

[gator59]

Looks to have been imported into Germany in 1974 by RG.

 

[gator59]

As I recall I bought my first S&W revolver, a 17-3, in 1974. Hard to believe it now qualifies as a C&R.

 

[heeter3]

Won a 14-3 off GunBroker. Probably paid too much, but it looked in really good shape. Had some strange proof marks and was C&R.

View attachment 779496
Took it apart to clean and inspect - and discovered the previous owner had written his name on the inside of the grips!

View attachment 779492

That explains the ‘W’ scratched into the bottom of the grips as well.

View attachment 779493

All cleaned and inspected, she’s ready for life with me, now. Gerd Winter, wherever you are, I’ll take good care of her!

View attachment 779494

 

[heeter3]

saintarctangent you'll like that 14 no matter what you paid.Mine is a pleasure to shoot and makes Me better than I am every time I take it to the range or out to the desert for some steel.Enjoy it.