Reasons to get a factory letter for a gun?

[smokycity]

For those that have gotten a factory letter(s), what made you decide that a particular revolver or pistol was worthy to obtain the letter? I have several revolvers but, only a couple are making me think about getting a letter for them.

The one in my collection that seems to warrant a letter most is a 1935 vintage .38/44 Heavy Duty. The other would be my model 10-2, that was allegedly a Washington D.C. police officers gun. Most of my revolvers seem to be "run of the mill" guns (aka "shooters") with no discernible significant history.

 

[jmace57]

I have lettered two (and have bought a couple more that came with letters. First was one engraved with an inscription that it had been used in a shooting contest...the other was a 38/44 from 1936 that was acquired by the Amsterdam, NY police department.

IMHO, it you have reason to suspect that something interesting is going on...or because of rarity...get a letter. If there are law enforcement stampings might be another reason. A third thing might be because of something special like a humpback hammer, or be a half-target.

Just a few thoughts.

 

[murphydog]

There is a recent thread about an owner of a model 1076 that was verbally confirmed as an FBI gun, and I'm sticking to the same answers :

1. To confirm a specific destination, or in the olden days perhaps even an individual.
2. Verifying a barrel length, finish or other potentially rare feature.
3. Sheer curiosity.
4. Not mentioned before, but looking for a birthday/month/year gun. Only for those with a high frustration tolerance (no fair asking how I know ).

 

[DWalt]

Some feel every S&W deserves a letter. I am not one of them but I have no quarrel with those who believe it's worthwhile to them to do so and can afford it. I'd reserve my money to letter only something which may be unusually desirable in some respect, or having an unusual feature which enhances its value. Such as a Registered Magnum. Or it's likely to have historical significance either generally or to you personally - such as Great Grampaw's old shootin' arn he carried when he was a deputy sheriff in Arizona.

 

[rburg]

I'm going to edge close to Lee's line about bitching. The reasons set out above pretty well indicate the best reasons. The factory has pretty much let us down in not allowing engravers to mark the guns they've worked on. Life would be a bit better if all engravers would mark the guns under the grips with a clear indication. That would pretty much remove the need for letters on those guns, maybe.

And there are reasons not to bother with a letter.

1. A common gun with no special features.

2. A well worn example where little would be proven unless you're a gambler.

3. A modern gun that almost certainly was sent to a wholesaler with no special features.

4. You have a money shortage and don't feel like wasting it.

 

[Breakaway500]

It's just like a build sheet for a classic car....except you can still get a copy! We are lucky that the history service is available and accurate.


Keeping them...active, is a good thing,in my eyes. I think of it as a donation.

 

[Jack Flash]

I don't want to ruffle any feathers, but I agree with DWalt and Dick Burg. Letters often don't tell you anything that you couldn't learn on your own with a little research. Or asking questions here.

Some advocate lettering every gun, even "run of the mill" Model 10s. They reason that the gun may have belonged to a famous shooter, policeman, or author. I suppose there is always a chance.

Then again, you could spend the $75 on lottery tickets. There is always a chance ...

 

[Rpg]

I'll letter a Parker to see how it left the factory as compared with what I see now.

Can't imagine a reason to letter a contemporary (post war) Smith.

Maybe a registered magnum.

 

[Willyboy]

Factory Letter

I have only lettered an early 4-digit s/n Model 41 and I am happy I did.
It shipped to Marshal Field's store in Chicago no less in early 1958, when guns were still sold by high end department stores in the city. I am sure that letter will pay for itself if I ever sell that 41 locally in the Chicago area. Willyboy

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I've been thinking about sending off for one. It's the curiosity of wanting to know a little history about where it had it's beginnings. I should've sent for one back when they cost less.

 

[Keith Brown]

Its my understanding that sending for a letter would not even be a possibility were it not for the foresight of Mr. Jinks, the records that are now available for research would have become nothing more than land fill. I think the deeper you get into hobby this the more important the history becomes. Maybe think of purchasing the letter as paying it forward to future collectors instead of just whats my return. Many good people, some now gone, have put all this in place (at great cost) so we can just sit back write a check and wait for the mail. And I believe this partially funds the preservation of all those records.

Not meant to be preachy or a rant, just my thoughts on the subject.

 

[phonejack]

I have my grandfathers Colt 1903. All of the bluing is gone but, I knew it was a carry gun in his career job. I got a letter and learned it was made in 1913. He bought it new in 1917. From where it was factory shipped I realized he bought it outside his Army training base and carried it overseas in WW 1.

 

[steamloco76]

I lettered one S&W, a 38/44 Outdoorsman which I scored very locally.
Here's a link to the thread with its story:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/334092-38-44-outdoorsman-score-factory-letter-post-32-a.html

 

[italiansport]

I've obtained letters when I thought they might provide additional information or verify a fact about the gun. In once case I had acquired a nondescript Colt Police Positive Special with WF & CO marked on the butt. The Colt letter confirmed it had actually been shipped to the Wells Fargo Company. In another case I acquired a S&W Model 10 that appeared to be a presentation piece. The factory letter confirmed it had been a part of a six gun presentation to a N Y wildlife conservation committee.
In these cases a factory letter IMO waseasily justified.
Jim

 

[murphydog]

I've been thinking about sending off for one. It's the curiosity of wanting to know a little history about where it had it's beginnings. I should've sent for one back when they cost less. I'm sure Mr. Jinks makes a nice profit.

I don't begrudge whatever the letter costs or to where the funds go; just having the letters available at a reasonable fee is enough for me. I suspect Mr. Jinks is not living the life of champagne wishes and caviar dreams off letter revenue .

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Sorry guys. By no means was I trying to imply any of that. It was just poking a little humor on the price from what they use to cost. If I remember they were once $50 not that long ago. I'll gladly pay the $75 they cost now to help with any preservation. By the way I edited my previous post to take that part out about Mr. Jinks. I appreciate all he does that goes into this.