Thoughts on this pre-27

[Pauldg]

Hello Folks,

I got this gem today from a family member. Ser. number S-904XX dates it around 1952-1953. It’s in great shape, with just a hint of bluing loss at the muzzle.

The box I don’t believe is original, as the fit is a bit off.

What really intrigues me are the stocks. They have S&W medallions, but are they factory? I am told the inserts are real ivory. There are no markings on the inside.

It did come with tools as well; I presume the black SAT is desirable?

Any insight on this, especially a value, would be greatly appreciated.

Best-

Paul G

 

[.357magger]

Beautiful.

Congratulations on your new acquisition.

Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Paul, I've seen some similar stocks posted here. IIRC they were owned by Doc44. But, again IIRC, they were on factory engraved guns.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Great gun!
The stocks look similar to some Alvin White carved stocks that Doc44 has.
That is not a factory S&W box, appears custom made.

 

[Doc44]

The .357 Magnum with stocks by Alvin White most likely dates to 1953. Very nice "package". The sight screwdriver is correct for your .357 Magnum.

Bill

 

[series guy]

I am no how no way any kind of authority on prices but I have to think that the stocks would value at north of $1k. Add in the gun and box etc and I would think that $2500 would be conservative. But I could be way low on the stocks. Any family provenance could boost the value also.

 

[RKmesa]

....What really intrigues me are the stocks. They have S&W medallions, but are they factory? I am told the inserts are real ivory. There are no markings on the inside.

Any insight on this, especially a value, would be greatly appreciated.

Best-

Paul G

Paul, those stocks are beautiful. I agree with Doc44, who has a lot of beautiful carved stocks. They do look like a couple of pairs of stocks that I have that are attributed to Alvin White.



I believe that most of these sets of stocks started as plain smooth stocks that were carved by Alvin White or some other master craftsman.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[lihpster]

My only thought is I want it. Beautiful!

 

[boykinlp]

Great gun, but the carved grips are just exceptional! I wish there was someone who could do carved grips like that now!! Thanks for sharing.
Larry

 

[Pauldg]

Thanks for all the kind words. This is definitely a keeper!

 

[handejector]

I wonder if the case is built on a Factory mahogany case. If you post some pics of the outside, we might be able to tell- Top, front edge, back edge.

 

[Pauldg]

As requested

I wonder if the case is built on a Factory mahogany case. If you post some pics of the outside, we might be able to tell- Top, front edge, back edge.

The case isn’t an exact fit. The felt is coming off in many places inside. The entire bottom of the outside is covered in the same felt.

 

[handejector]

Probably not built on a Factory case.

 

[Pauldg]

Probably not built on a Factory case.

Thanks for the insight. I think I would like to have the felt replaced as long as it won’t detract from the value. Not that I’m interested in selling it anytime soon.

PaulG

 

[NavySCPO]

Not enough descriptive words left for those stocks, incredible doesn’t seem to quite say it. Thank you for sharing.

I know (or think I do) that Keith Brown isn’t taking new orders. Is it fair to assume that the Master Craftsmen like him are gone? I know you’re not gone Keith, God forbid, but hopefully just enjoying a well deserved retirement.

Are there others who create this level of design still out there?

Inquiring minds want to know...