Some questions on an older set of target grips

[Culina]

I had a customer bring this set in for disposal (sale) N-square smooth target, black washers and no marks on the backside.

I believe they are some type of redwood, they are too heavy to be Goncalo Alves and the end grain is way different, they just don't look like any rosewood that I have ever worked with.

I also think they were made after the mid 50's but before 1968, can someone confirm this or pin down a more accurate year of production?

Any idea of what a fair price should be?

 

[410bore]

They are beautiful! I WANT them!

I'd guess they may be a form of Rosewood if they aren't Goncalo Alves. As for a date, I would say early to mid 1960's. They appear to be N Frame. If so, I'd say $200 +

did I mention I wanted them?

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

I dont think Redwood, which is LIGHT and too soft for such venues. JMHO --

 

[CatboatWilly]

Rosewood can come in many different varieties and colors so I'm not sure that I would use color as the sole determining factor. The S&W medallions look original and I'm sure they are properly backed. Any markings on the inside of the grips ?

 

[s&wchad]

They have the smaller extractor relief cut and the old style hardware. I believe the escutcheons were changed to the newer recessed type around 1969, so I'd date those from the late 1950's to the late 1960's. Nice lumber!

 

[jjbrewst1]

I sold a similar pair that had been refinished for 200. So 410 is spot on. Maybe 250. Gorgeous. The dating is spot on from above.

 

[arjay]

They almost look like a soft wood with the contrasting colors,but not with that end grain.

 

[paplinker]

They have the smaller extractor relief cut and the old style hardware. I believe the escutcheons were changed to the newer recessed type around 1969, so I'd date those from the late 1950's to the late 1960's. Nice lumber!

I agree. That smaller cut out makes me think late 50s and if not ever redone i would even think they could bring 250.00.

 

[Combat]

Those are VERY nice. The more I look at them the more I think Kris is willing to pay closer to $300.00 for them.

 

[VM]

I think in an auction setting w/ good pics, they'd bring $400+ because of the pretty grains.
I agree with the EARLIER date croud w/ the smaller football relief

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I have a set that has been re-finished at some point in their past that look just like those except for the fact they are late'60's to late '70's grips. The color is lighter, but the grain is the same. IME, when grips are soaked in acetone before re-finishing, they tend to lighten up in color, so maybe that's why mine are a little lighter. I always thought they were zebrawood. Of course, the glossy finish makes them look a little different from yours, but the grain is the same.

 

[Doc44]

1959-1960 and $350. Probably Goncalo alves (like those of Gun 4 Fun).

Bill

 

[s&wchad]

1959-1960 and $350. Probably Goncalo alves (like those of Gun 4 Fun).

Bill

Bill,
I'm curious... What makes you cut those off at 1960?
Thanks!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I'd say one thing is that bottom view of the OP's grips. They are narrower and more tapered off at the front and rear "corners" of the grip panels than later versions are.

Bill, you could very well be right about them both being GA, but I have never seen GA like that anywhere whether or not it was gun stocks or otherwise. They're kind cool either way. Especially out in the sunlight where they change color, and the grain structure appears to, depending on how you hold them.

 

[tlay]

Those are very nice! I would bet 410bore would go $400 for them!

 

[Doc44]

I think the smaller relieved area on the left stock panel dates them to 1959-1960.

Bill

 

[Culina]

guys, thanks for all the comments and additional info. Here are some more pictures

 

[-db-]

Here's a question, since we've got all the stocks experts here: note the partial-circle wear marks on the washers on the backsides of Kurac's stocks. I see these same marks on quite a few other stocks. What causes this? Is it something from whatever tool is used to stake/peen the medallion studs or...?

 

[Culina]

I don't think they peened the posts of the medallions, it looks like the spun the backs with something to mushroom the post. I am thinking what they used also rubbed some finish off the washers.

 

[RKmesa]

They almost look like a soft wood with the contrasting colors,but not with that end grain.

Agreed - they almost look like a walnut stained pine or fir - which when stained with a walnut stain colors softer portion of the wood more dark, but leaves the harder "rings" a bit on the lighter side... But if that was the case, they would be very light in weight.

I also agree that they are very nice looking and from late 50's to mid 60's.