Pre-War 38/44 HD -- Engraved/Inlaid

[Pre-29Smith]

I was fortunate enough to acquire this wonderful pre-war 38/44 HD a month or two ago. It was engraved & inlaid pre-1956 by the German engraver Claus Willig. The revolver came with complete with an email confirming that Mr. Willig had done the work, as well as a journal of the German Gun Collectors Association from 2002.

I'm no professional photographer, so I stole photos from where I purchased. I hope you all enjoy.

 

[alaskavett]

That is just beautiful work! Who is the "Paul Jaeger, inc Jenkintown,Pa that is on the left top strap? Thanks for showing us this "artwork".
Kyle

 

[Pre-29Smith]

Kyle,

I should have mentioned that in the first post. Paul Jaeger, Inc. is where the gun was imported to in the states. If I am to understand correctly, Mr. Willig (and I believe his father) both worked for/under Paul Jaeger's brother Ken. Someone more knowledgeable like David Carroll or the like is welcome to correct me on this.

Morgan

 

[Simmer down]

That's a busy style of engraving. I keep seeing these engravered numbers on this forum and get myself all torqued up. I think its lack of money that keeps me moving on the urge.

Looks like complete coverage except inside the trigger guard and right behind it.

 

[6518John]

New truck Gun?

Is that going to be a Tennessee truck gun!?

Seriously, I don't think I have ever seen that "leaf" engraving. I am sure there are engraving styles or motifs, just like in art, i.e. the "impressionist school." That is a first for me? Nothing short of breathtaking.

 

[DGT]

Simply stunning. Congratulations and thanks for posting.

 

[COYOTEHUNTER]

I really like the oak leaf engraving and the extensive inlaying is very nice! Thanks for sharing Morgan.

Regards

 

[lawandorder]

Anyone who thinks firearms are not works of art has never laid eyes on that masterpiece.

 

[RKmesa]

Morgan

You know how I feel about that beauty! Mr Willig is a master and I love his work.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[Pre-29Smith]

Is that going to be a Tennessee truck gun!?

Seriously, I don't think I have ever seen that "leaf" engraving. I am sure there are engraving styles or motifs, just like in art, i.e. the "impressionist school." That is a first for me? Nothing short of breathtaking.

Might take it for a spin or two in the mountains! Might have to sit it in the seat beside me - ask my wife to stay home and all.

Simply stunning. Congratulations and thanks for posting.

Thank you, sir!

I really like the oak leaf engraving and the extensive inlaying is very nice! Thanks for sharing Morgan.



Regards

Appreciate it, Mitch!

Morgan



You know how I feel about that beauty! Mr Willig is a master and I love his work.



Thanks for sharing,

Thanks for stopping bidding where you did, Richard. If only that transitional 357 had ended this way too!



Morgan Smith
SWCA #2819

 

[Rad29]

Hi Morgan:

Beautiful gun! I love German style engraving and especially Klaus Willig. His inlays and gold wire work are excellent. As RK mentioned, he is indeed a master!

Bob

 

[crsides]

Very Morgan, very nice.

Charlie

 

[chasr]

To paraphrase, "If i had an engraved gun, it would look like Mr. Morgans."

 

[Doc44]

Morgan...Kurt Jaeger was an engraver and I believe the brother of Paul. I had a 1950 45 Target with a 5-inch barrel that was engraved and inlaid with gold by him. It also had the same inscription on the frame above the cylinder. The engraving was oak leaf and acorn just like yours (a favorite of German engravers).

Bill

 

[Pre-29Smith]

Morgan...Kurt Jaeger was an engraver and I believe the brother of Paul. I had a 1950 45 Target with a 5-inch barrel that was engraved and inlaid with gold by him. It also had the same inscription on the frame above the cylinder. The engraving was oak leaf and acorn just like yours (a favorite of German engravers).



Bill

Bill - I believe you're right that Kurt and Paul were brothers. If I'm not mistaken Claus (and maybe his father?) worked under/for Kurt Yaeger.


Morgan Smith
SWCA #2819

 

[usm1rifle]

That is really a fine Smith & Wesson, you have great taste!

Thanks for sharing.

 

[2152hq]

Both Claus Willig and his father,Emil, did engraving for Kurt Jager in W, Germany.
Kurt managed the Wiesbaden Rod & Gun Club at the Air Force Base in W/G. Most all the custom work is marked with his shop name no matter who did the work for them.
They also did work for US customers including Paul Jaeger/PA ( brother?), Pachmyers, and others.

Dietrich Apel (New England Custom Gun Services) is a nephew of the two I believe.
Apel escaped E Germany and worked for Kurt for a time at the Wiesbaden shop before coming to the US and working for his uncle Paul, also for Ruger and eventually opening his own shop.

Beautiful S&W. Classic Germanic Oakleaf pattern beautifully done.
Congrats on a great looking piece of art.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Outstanding, simply overwhelming. Thanks for sharing. (I'm lucky if the guns I can afford have bluing....someday....someday.)

Again, thanks sharing.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Stunning, just stunning. Words can't touch it, really.....

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Beautiful craftsmanship.