S&W factory ivory grips ID

[aplombardo]

I have seen a few pairs of ivory grips that appear factory with factory medallions. One pair for a 39, one for N frame, one for K.

They are marked "RRG" inside.

Any idea if these are factory grips? Who is RRG?

 

[rct269]

I don't what IS the answer to your inquiry, but I do know what it ain't!!---maybe.

I had a King Super Target Triple Lock once upon a time----with Ivory grips---plain, no medallion, "service" style. The letter arrived. It was pretty much plain vanilla---all except for this comment about the Ivory grips (and I don't know why he even bothered with it, 'cause I didn't ask about them---just mentioned what they were).

"Smith & Wesson did not offer ivory grips for their "N" frame revolvers." That's it! We are left to decide if that statement is applicable to "N" frame revolvers of THE time---or to ALL times. He did include this pretty much standard comment about such accessories: "The ivory grips were generally added by the distributor or dealer to fill a special order."

"You pays your money, and you takes your pick!"

Ralph Tremaine

 

[PeteC]

Didn't you have a set listed in the Classifieds a while ago:
**SOLD Elsewhere** FS-Model 39 Ivory Grips

 

[aplombardo]

Thank you sir!!

 

[aplombardo]

Didn't you have a set listed in the Classifieds a while ago:
**SOLD Elsewhere** FS-Model 39 Ivory Grips

Yes, I sold them...but have an N frame set now-also marked RRG

 

[Alk8944]

Stock medallions are available for stock makers to install in their products. S&W may have made some Ivory stocks for revolvers before WWII, but not since. They are not factory, and probably are not real Elephant Ivory either!

Basically the trade and sale of Elephant Ivory has been banned since 1989 and only Ivory goods that can be proven to have been imported prior to that date may be sold in the US, and pretty much world wide. This is why most "ivory" sold is really imitation!

 

[aplombardo]

Stock medallions are available for stock makers to install in their products. S&W may have made some Ivory stocks for revolvers before WWII, but not since. They are not factory, and probably are not real Elephant Ivory either!

Basically the trade and sale of Elephant Ivory has been banned since 1989 and only Ivory goods that can be proven to have been imported prior to that date may be sold in the US, and pretty much world wide. This is why most "ivory" sold is really imitation!

Oh they are elephant ivory. I have been buying ivory for 35 years. But thanks.

 

[PeteC]

There are actually some exceptions under which Ivory can be imported legally, for example as trophies, acquired under a permit, and ivory acquired before a certain date to be used for Musical instruments.

https://www.fws.gov/guidance/sites/guidance/files/documents/What Can I Do With My Ivory.pdf

It would be interesting to find out where these came from, and who made them, but even if imported or purchased legally, I would imagine the person who made them might be reluctant to advertise the fact, for fear of being attacked online and in the media.

 

[aplombardo]

There are actually some exceptions under which Ivory can be imported legally, for example as trophies, acquired under a permit, and ivory acquired before a certain date to be used for Musical instruments.

https://www.fws.gov/guidance/sites/guidance/files/documents/What Can I Do With My Ivory.pdf

It would be interesting to find out where these came from, and who made them, but even if imported or purchased legally, I would imagine the person who made them might be reluctant to advertise the fact, for fear of being attacked online and in the media.

These are old grips bought at auction. Look 30-40 years old

 

[weatherby]

Can't help with your inquiry but would like to see them.
These were on a gun I recently picked up.
The medallions are small early ones.