Thoughts on Engraved Revolvers

[peter-paul]

I would like to take an informal poll. What are your overall thoughts on engraved modern Smith and Wesson revolvers? Especially those post Internal Lock.

1. Are finely engraved revolvers works of art or gaudy?

2. Is masterful engraving on guns with Internal Locks a waste of collectible opportunity?

3. Fast-forward 40 years, will your assumptions stand the test of time?

 

[fishwishin]

1- Works of art
2- Engravers are doing the best they can do with what they now have, IL's may never be all that collectible but at least some will look better than others
3- 40 years ago a 29-2 was a hard to obtain model, but who knew it would become such a classic! With so many autos on the scene now I think modern production revolvers have a chance at becoming desirable in 2060.

 

[Shootgood]

works of art...I don't care for IL'S..as far as in 40 years..well there are better things to put your money in then gun engraving but I prob wont be around in 40 years so I buy what I like.

 

[texmex]

Engraving is pretty artistic, but I like gaudy things also.
Pin on Smith & Wesson Engraved Revolvers

 

[75Vette]

The only engraved guns I really appreciate are whole hog or nothing. As far as the lock, I don't care if the gun has one or not but wouldn't spend my money engraving an IL gun. If you want to see the Creme de la Creme (izzat how you say it?? ) do a search for RK Mesa here on the forum. He has engraved masterpieces that'll blow your mind.

 

[Tytan01]

I have a feeling getting choice guns in the collection engraved is going to be my future addiction. After I get all the N Frames.

1 - Works of Art so far. I haven't seen a "gaudy" example yet.

2 - I think it shouldn't matter. I mean...If I come across one for sale and the price was right, I'd get it.

3 - I'll prolly be worm food but I hope they do. I believe they will.

 

[torizus]

1. art
2. probably
3. it may but I wont so can't say..

 

[RKmesa]

1. works of art

2. Probably not a "waste" but not the "canvas" I would select for an engraving project.

3. I think there will always be a place for finely crafted firearms - and revolvers hold a place in American history that inspires the imagination. I believe that having them hand engraved will make them something special... to be treasured. At least I hope so...

 

[VikingDude]

1 - If engraving is a work of art is a subjective opinion. For me it all depends if it's a mass produced gun like this model here that is engraved by a machine, this is just tacky.

Or engraved by hand like on this Perrazi shotgun

2 - If the engraving is performed by a true craftsman and you like the motive, I think that it would not mater if it's done on a modern revolver. But then again, if you are going to be paying good money for engraving, why not get a smith to blend the hole?

3 - Yes, I think so. There will always be people that appreciate good craftsmanship.

 

[tlawler]

1. I think they're works of art. Not so much the later laser engraved ones.
2. I wouldn't pay to have an IL gun engraved. I think the factory ones of recent vintage are all laser.
3. I think they'll stand up well to the test of time.

I've always admired the artwork of intricately engraved firearms, but never thought I'd own one just because I didn't want to invest the money that they usually command. Then I found one in a LGS/range that I frequent, amazing cheap actually. It's a cute little pre-Chiefs, nothing really special, probably not factory engraved by one of the famous engravers, but I think it's pretty neat.

 

[ContinentalOp]

1. Depends on the work and the observer. For me personally, I would prefer engraving done as little touches here and there rather than completely covering the gun. I can appreciate a completely engraved gun, but it's probably not something I would own.

2. I would not use an IL gun as a "canvas" for engraving. That said, to each his own.

3. I doubt anything I say or do will stand the test of time. Tastes change all the time. What one person thinks is gaudy now will be seen as a work of art several years from now, and vice versa. Do what you want to do now when you have the chance, or possibly regret the lost opportunity later.

Just my opinion.

 

[robvious]

1. works of art.. yes
2. use an IL gun... why not
3. 40 years for now all metal firearms will be cherished... period

all these are just a guess and in 40 years I will be worm food... probably... (93 almost 94...) I will report back if able...lol

 

[ken158]

Not a swirl and flowers kinda guy but a game animal or scene is cool.

 

[Dougaz]

I have three (3) engraved revolvers. One (1) was engraved by S&W back in 1954. I consider mine works of art and own them as a part of my collection and to admire them as piece of art. I really don't care if the engraving increases their value or not.

I doubt theirs a single S&W owner that wouldn't want one of their own!

 

[clipper1]

Well, at the risk of sounding crass, I would have to say that beautiful hand engraving on a Smith with the IL is somewhat akin to the old saying about lipstick on a pig. JMO, YMMV

 

[Vettepartz]

I will probably catch some flak for this, but we are all entitled to our opinions.

To me, engraving a nice gun is like taking a beautiful woman and having her tattooed all over her complete body. Some may think it is beautiful, but others will not. Not sorry for being such a purist.

 

[S&WIowegan]

Engraving???

I don't dislike engraving but I'm in no way an expert nor do I crave owning one. I can't get past the cost of having it done and being unable to recoup that cost until many years have passed. If you have all the money you'll ever need then by all means satisfy your need for engraved guns. As Alfred E. Neuman always said "why Not?"

I spend lots of money on ammo which is also down a rat hole.

 

[ruger 22]

To me there are 'holding' guns and 'shooting' guns. If I had spare extra cash I would love a few engraved 'holding' guns. I sure love to look at these shown, especially the Perazzi...now that one costs real money.

 

[peter-paul]

Thank you all for the great input!!

Since I started this post, I will add my 2 cents.

I think as the generation of "old timers" who remember the good old days goes to the great shooting range in the sky, the collectors who aren't even born yet are going to look at what is coming out of the factories, and not bat an aye at IL guns.

Because I do not doubt that some politician 30 years from now is going to mandate some further contraption on firearms. And 40 years from now people will be craving "pre-biometric" revolvers. You'll have a generation of people who will have only known internal locks. And those old timers will be upset about the newfangled device that is on S&W revolvers. There will be newbies asking "Did I do well?" as they post pics of their new-to-them 29-11 mountain gun.

Building on this, and the general consensus about engraving, I feel that there will be a demand for engraved guns, IL or not.

Of course my opinions are supported by zero scientific study, and are entirely my own.

 

[Erocksmash]

IMO...

Works of art yes, on a gun with a lock yes, But....

Old guns are still ascertainable and I would again IMO appreciate an older gun without a lock, engraved now in this very moment or 40years from now. Further more I would rather see old hand engraving, by a gentleman and a tool over the new "Laser style"....

Speaking of i would like to have 3 of my older Smith's engraved 1. A 66-3 3in NIB and a 686 3in mag comp NIB and the other being a commander sized NIB 945...