smith & wesson model 27

[16dogs]

hello, picked this up a while back, know its been ruined as far as collectability, looks like maybe from an engraving school or something but would there still be any value to it other than just a shooter, thanks getting a little overwhelmed, am not good at computer stuff at all, old fart here, from what it said i can only do 5 pics from my computer, can e mail pics, lot easier to me, thanks
edit: i took the grips off and on frame there is a name, it says gonzalez or conzalez and 1950 or 1958

 

[Retired W4]

Is the gun "in the white" or has it been plated?

 

[16dogs]

pretty sure just bare metal

 

[DWalt]

What status lies between being collectible and being a shooter? From what I can tell, I have seen a lot worse engraving attempts. However, I'd guess no serious N-frame collector would have interest in it and one wanting a good shootable Model 27 wouldn't pay much, if any, premium for the engraving. Being "In the White" is not good. A purchaser would have to do something about that.

Full disclosure: I am not a fancier of gun engraving, don't own any which are engraved, and never want to.

 

[1blindref]

Welcome to the Forum

It's kind of a neat gun. If it's bare metal you need to make sure you keep it oiled. Can you post a few pictures of the stocks??

 

[Watchdog]

hello, picked this up a while back, know its been ruined as far as collectability, looks like maybe from an engraving school or something but would there still be any value to it other than just a shooter, thanks

First, welcome to the forum! Lots of knowledge to be gained here.

Not sure I see the "ruined" aspect of it, though. I mean, I guess if someone's a S&W purist, it's ruined. I've sure seen worse cases of ruined, that's for sure.

I'd like to see more photos of the stocks, and want to know when it was made/shipped. Seems like it ought to have some kind of history.

If it's bare metal, I might even think of sending it to S&W for a factory blue job. Doesn't cost that much.

Shoot, I kinda like it.

EDIT: I'd ditch that hokey looking trigger shoe in a heartbeat, though.

 

[delta-419]

Finish

If you could take a few more photos with better light conditions and some close ups it would help us evaluate the engraving. It looks impressive from what I can see, but clear close ups would be great. It looks to me that it was an unfinished project. I have a 44 TL at the engravers as I write this and the gun had to be bright polished (in the white) before beginning. The finish bluing or nickel will be applied after the engraving is done. I think you have a great gun, show us more! Also look under the barrel flat and see if the serial number is there preceeded by the letter B, if so, the gun was blue before the engraving. Fords Gun Refinishing in FL can apply a finish over engraving to protect it. Love the M27s!

 

[murphydog]

If you like it and it is mechanically sound, you could wax it carefully (watching for corrosion) and enjoy. A factory reblue is also an excellent idea but I'm not sure what their policy might be on engraved guns; they may not do it because polishing might affect the engraving and they don't want to be responsible for that. A call to the factory might clear this up.

It may look pretty good reblued. Please let us know what you decide.

 

[4barrel]

Its kinda got a "South of the border" look. I would like some better close up of the grips & also the back side. That would look good with a deep blue finish. Does the design resemble these?

 

[DWalt]

I agree - One must wonder why the process stopped where it did? Assuming the metal has been polished before engraving, the major work of a reblue has already been performed. Besides, you really wouldn't want to attempt polishing after the engraving is complete. Therefore, the cost of just disassembling and processing the components through the bluing tanks could be done by any competent shop fairly cheaply.

 

[g8rb8]

hello, picked this up a while back, know its been ruined as far as collectability, looks like maybe from an engraving school or something but would there still be any value to it other than just a shooter, thanks

One man's "ruined" could be another man's treasure. I'm with a few of the other poster that suggest this might look fairly nice if it was blued. Who knows, maybe some future Rembrandt or da Vinci did the engraving?

John

 

[jtcarm]

+1 on the waxing, at least till you figure out what to do with it.

 

[Retired W4]

The name gonzalez on the grip frame, under the stocks is likely the engravers name.

The website only allows 5 pictures per post. You could put more pics in by replying to the last post.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Maybe Mexican engraving?

From what I understand, quite a few USA-owned revolvers/pistols (particularly TX guns) were engraved in Mexico by qualified engravers. I think even firms like Wolf & Klar would occasionally send guns out for engraving. This one may have been sent South of the Border for engraving, but then for whatever reason it was never blued or nickel-plated. The stocks may be the giveaway to a Mexican connection as it is very rare to see American engravers work on the stocks. The engraving is actually quite nice, IMHO.