Restore grips or salvage?

[lebomm]

I bought a pair of grips for 15 bucks at a gunshow. Early N-frame service with large gold (brass?) medallions. Big chip gone from upper left-front shoulder, checkering worn nearly smooth, but it looks as if someone has had a go at recutting the checkering - badly. Also have the name "CALL" carved, scratched and pencilled into the back of each, and a large "I" or Roman numeral "one" carved into the butt surface of each. All in all, pretty rough.
My question: Is it worthwhile trying to have these restored, or should I just salvage the medallions, escutcheons, and screw for a pair of custom grips? Any and all opinions welcome.

Larry

 

[29aholic]

Salvage

Sounds like I'd salvage the medallions and have a repo set made by Keith Brown or someone along his talent. I think a restore would cost more.

 

[CJ]

Unless you have a project where you need restored grips or those early medallions, I'd just toss the grips unmolested in your grip box and leave them be. Some day you may come into a gripless piece in similar rough shape and they'll be a perfect match. Or they may be good barter later on for someone else. They'll always be worth more as whole grips rather than just medallions and hardware.

 

[DWFAN]

It can be done.
DW

Before:

After:

 

[lebomm]

Oh yes, a skilled restorer's work is always a joy to behold, and thanks for posting those great pix, but my grips are WAY worse than your "before" shot. They're so worn, the diamonds are barely visible, not to mention the damage done by some amateur "restorer".
Also, I notice the silver medallions on your grips are pretty much flush with the surface, but my brass ones have a thin rim flush with the surface, with the artwork recessed about 1/16th". Anybody know what difference this makes as to yr/model?

 

[DWFAN]

I'm going to say 1st model triple lock. Not that common. Do they look like this?
DW

 

[lebomm]

BINGO ! Yes, just like that, only a lot rougher.

 

[lebomm]

Late update, friends. Had occasion to try these on that Parked 3rd Model I recently acquired, and OOOPs ! these grips are for a K-frame. Don't I feel like a tyro ! Thanks again to all responders.

Larry

 

[Muley Gil]

Gold medallion grips date to the 1910-1920 time period.

 

[mikepriwer]

I would not be in a hurry to scrap those grips - just yet. Having the
word CALL on the back may be very important. Look very carefully,
and see if there is a pencil serial number on the inside of the right
grip. Or, maybe there is a stamped serial number on the inside of
that panel. Is the word CALL really replicated 3 times on the inside
of each panel ?

Later, Mike Priwer