Triple lock checkered rear sight

[Hondo44]

Funny how you can own a gun over a year before noticing something different. #2702 target with number matching factory sights which appear to be original. Yes, re-blued but not at the factory.

I noticed the front sight gold inlay before buying it. But not the superfine checkering on the rear face of the rear sight until recently. Still waiting for the letter.

I've seen finely checkered triggers authenticated as being factory special and know S&W would do almost anything on special request. But have never heard nor seen of a rear sight treatment like this one. As you can see mild abrasion has rendered some shiny areas but the original checkering is amazingly flawless and skillful when observed under 10X glasses. The re-blue is also skillful work IMO and both may have been done by a superb smith of the period. For background info, it came w/o stocks so those shown were added by me.

Any thoughts and observations are appreciated.
Thx,

 

[bettis1]

Jim,

I've got a couple of TL Targets and neither have that checkering on the rear sight. I've not seen that before. It certainly looks like it could be a factory job so I look forward to hearing what the letter says.

Bob

 

[SDH]

Mine isn't checkered, but your sights look the same. Very nice checkering job no matter what...

 

[gunfish]

Very handsome. Target shooters seem more likely to personalize their stuff and shiney sights are tough to use.

 

[Hondo44]

I have only two other target sighted pre war N frames. One other triple lock with a smooth rear face.

The other is a 1917 with factory sights added. The rear face is serrated with horizontal lines, and with the two different size vertical adjustment screws like a very few REG MAG rear sights I've seen.

 

[2152hq]

A nice touch.
I'd guess it was done w/a liner tool (graver) instead of a file type cutting tool.
It's quite common to use a liner to do that type of work on sights, mounts and ribs.
Most of the work is usually done in a one way horizontal fashion though.
Or if criss-cross cut, it's done as a florentine cut.
Lighter cuts, closer spaced lines, not running with and perpendicular to the bore and the cuts are usually done quickly with no real attempt to make a clean 'checkering' pattern of the lines.

This fine line 90degree work here takes some real effort and skill. Especially so on the rounded and curved surfaces.

 

[DGT]

I just checked mine and it is smooth. Although possible, it just doesn't seem like something an individual would have done. In any event, I like it.