Second Issue American - Modified with previous owners name on the grips

[larkworthy]

Group,

The past couple of years I have quietly jumped back into the S&W collecting world. I have been slowly buying various guns to see what strikes my interests. The Model 1, 1 1/2, and 2 Tip ups are very interesting and it is hard to not love any Model 3. I have always liked revolvers with a story (or with the potential for a story). I recently picked up a shortened (5") Model 3, Second Issue American. The price was very reasonable, it mechanically functions well, and it just feels right in the hand. I have had it on my desk the last few weeks and finally got around to taking the grips off (I normally do this first thing).

I was pleasantly surprised to see a previous owner had partially carved and written his name. The best that I can tell is the name is G.W. Crowder (maybe George Washington Crowder?). I have sent in a letter request in case it went somewhere interesting.

I welcome any input on who the previous owner could be. The pictures are not great but hopefully will have a better camera setup in the future.

Regards, Lyle

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Neat old Model #3, 2nd. Issue. I think it is particularly satisfying
when one finds a Previous owner's mark. I have a few S&W's with
previous owner's information. A lot of the time, I find it sometimes
difficult to decipher what was written. This is the inside of a grip
panel off of a .32 S&W CF SA (serial # 1355).





Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

The names inside the stock panels appear from time to time. My anemic searches have only brought one to the forefront and that one was a murderer. I'm still trying to identify E.E. Collie and/or J.J. Cox. Those names are scratched on the stocks of my 1880's Wesson Favorite.

 

[drumminor2nd]

Well that's just neat! I have a Winchester 12 that someone did that under the buttplate with the date they got it.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Sometimes the marks can be problematic in themselves.
These are the inside of the grips off of a NM#3.




As I said, markings on grips can be problematic. Especially considering
the NM#3 these grips came from was sold to Takata & Co. in 1904.

Cheers!
Webb