Pre-15 Engraved...Engraved By?

[gripper]

I picked up this pre 15 today at a small local gun show. It was being sold as a model 15 that had been "engraved at some point and time". Upon futher inspection I found it was a pre 15. I put a call into a very knowledgible collector/dealer and described the gun. Basically we came to the conclusion it is factory engraved. The main reason being the S&W roll mark was on the left side underneather the thumb latch. If it was engraved after it left the factory the S&W roll mark would have been on the right side as usual thus being engraved around. I will letter this gun and see what configuration it was shipped. Could anyone of you more knowledgible forum members identify who did the engraving? SN# K234286...........Thank you, Chad Gripp

 

[gripper]

More Pics

Here are some more pics.

 

[Hunt200]

I can't help you with your question, but that is a really nice gun!

 

[Rigmover]

Hi Very Nice i like it get it lettered then you'll know. Looks like its a 1955 gun.

 

[.45mtngun]

That is a real beauty and certainly worth getting lettered to go with such a fine piece!

 

[MMA10mm]

Don't know who did it, but it looks very nice and well-done. If it's after it left the factory, I don't think it hurt the value of the gun any!!

 

[yugolovr]

Stunning! That is a great looking 15. I would be proud to own it.

 

[dacoontz]

Total Guess

Chad,
This is a complete guess and I have no experience with engraving but until someone wiser chimes in. Looking at the standard catalog this pattern lokos similar to Harry Jarvis who was a factory engraver. He engraved in the early 50's when this gun began it's production run. Some of the pics of his engravings look to have a more open pattern like this one. The other thing that might be a trademark is the dog bone shape this person engraved around some of the barrel markings, if you can match that up to someone in particular. Are there any other markings or what appears to be initials? Well, there's my opinion per the very limited info I have in front of me. Very nice pistol no matter who did it. Thanks for the post. Daniel.

 

[gripper]

Thanks for the compliments everyone.
Daniel, I've looked the gun over and over again and can't seem to find any initials, but if I understand correctly most of the engravers did not sign their work. I too have been looking at the SCSW and trying to compare. All part of the fun I guess. Thanks, Chad

 

[2152hq]

Did you remove the grips? It looks like the pattern runs under the present grips that are on it. Perhaps it was cut for magna style grips. There may be something in the way of initials/engravers mark under there.
It's my understanding that S&W didn't want the engravers to mark the work in any way though some found subtle ways to do so. That was pretty common practice throughout the industry.
Interesting revolver in beautiful condition. A factory letter is probably the only way to know for sure.

 

[29aholic]

Nice gun
Engravers if I remember right were not allowed to mark their guns by the factory. That doesnt mean some didnt do it, but most didnt. Instead, they through something unique in their pattern that basically became their signature. Bill Cross (Doc44) is probably more up on this than anyone, but I have to guess that it is in fact the work of Jarvis

 

[Doc44]

I would agree with Harry Jarvis as the revolver dates to around 1955 when he was still engraving for S&W.

Bill

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Wow, what a great find! Hope you get a definitive answer on who done the engraveing. Thanks for shareing.

 

[Camster]

I have a slightly later K38,also factory A engraved.Fortunately for me, the engraver marked the frame(VL-for Virginia LeBlanc).I also lettered the gun, and that info is not indicated on a factory letter.
I really like these engraved K frames-hope I come across some more.

 

[dacoontz]

I have a slightly later K38,also factory A engraved.Fortunately for me, the engraver marked the frame(VL-for Virginia LeBlanc).I also lettered the gun, and that info is not indicated on a factory letter.
I really like these engraved K frames-hope I come across some more.

Let's see some pics of the K38, please?

 

[gripper]

Gentleman thanks for the responses and interest. I have looked this piece over and over both inside and out and have not found any signature or initials. To be honest I did not set out to buy a factory engraved revolver when I walked into our small local gun show yesterday. It was there, I studied it a bit, made a call and got some advice, and bought the gun. I have learned more in the last 24 hours about engraved Smith & Wessons than in the previous 39 years of my life. One thing I have learned according to the experts is the possibilty of it being engraved by Harry Jarvis. Another is Harry Jarvis rarely signed his work, but did on some more elaborate revolvers. I'll get a factory letter and maybe that will shed some light on things. -Chad

 

[dacoontz]

Gentleman thanks for the responses and interest. I have looked this piece over and over both inside and out and have not found any signature or initials. To be honest I did not set out to buy a factory engraved revolver when I walked into our small local gun show yesterday. It was there, I studied it a bit, made a call and got some advice, and bought the gun. I have learned more in the last 24 hours about engraved Smith & Wessons than in the previous 39 years of my life. One thing I have learned according to the experts is the possibilty of it being engraved by Harry Jarvis. Another is Harry Jarvis rarely signed his work, but did on some more elaborate revolvers. I'll get a factory letter and maybe that will shed some light on things. -Chad

Chad, I would try and see how many other examples of Harry Jarvis guns you can find and see if the dog bone shape around the smith & wesson roll mark on the barrel is consistent among his work. I don't believe that is a shape you see all the time and might be something specific for him. Just a thought, I wish guns like this showed up in my local gun shop.

And how about some pics of the engraved K38, it would be cool to have some pics of some work from the first female factory S&W engraver?

Thanks, Daniel.

 

[SJ]

A factory letter would be the only way to know for sure.

 

[gripper]

If anyone can post some pics of revolvers known to be engraved by Jarvis I would appreciate it. -Chad

 

[pace40]

Here ya go......