Monograms?

[bobsdad]

This thread maybe belongs on the Antiques forum, but I put it here as I'm not sure where to put it!

I have a 3rd model 38 Safety Hammerless with what appear to be old engraved initials (monogram) on the cover plate. Please excuse my very poor photography, but I've including some photos for illustration.

These initials appear to be "JLH". How I wish they were JWH! Maybe John Wesley Hardin had an AKA "John Leslie Hardin"??? (should be a smiley face here!!)

Do any of you have any of these old ones with monograms of interest? I heard that monograms/intials reduce the value of the revolver, unless they apply to some well known individual? I just think they lend some character and are kind of interesting.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Maybe J.Edgar Hoover??? Naw, wrong again.

 

[mmaher94087]

I have "EA". Ethan Allen died February 1789. I'm sure the gun was his. Wanna buy it?? On second thought, I'll keep it. Seriously, linking initials to previous owners is about next to impossible BUT it does happen. Good luck with your search. Mike #283

 

[deadin]

I don't feel that a well done monogram (i.e. not done freehand with an old nail or letter punch.) detracts from the value of an old gun. It just adds character. Any monogramed C&R deserves a letter. You might just luck out.
Does it add value? Depends on the buyer. I personally like "named" guns. But just having initials adds very little unless they can be linked to a name. Then the name needs some history to go with it. Every little bit adds value to me.

A guy I used to know had a Webley-Green revolver in .455 (Boer War era) with the initials WSC on the holster. He had convinced himself that they stood for Winston Spencer Churchill.
It is known that Churchill carried a Broomhandle Mauser during his time in South Africa and besides, his initials were WLSC. But you couldn't convince this guy. (Nor could he convince anyone else of what he had.)