Triple Lock-Engraved

[Don/Washington]

I have a chance to buy a SW triplelock that
is engraved and the serial # is 1855 for $800-$1,000. It has
walnut? checkered grips, a gold monogram.
stamped on barrel is 44 S & W Special CTG. What
would the value/price be on this gun? There are some scratch marks and some bluing is
worn on the barrel and other areas. Have to
hurry and decide before it's gone.

 

[mikepriwer]

Presumably the engraving is not factory, on the assumption that there is
no letter. The grips may, or may not , be right, depending on when the
gun was shipped. At that serial number, I would have guessed that the
grips would be the earlier non-medallion stocks - but we'd need to know
the shipping date.

Assuming the engraving is not factory, and further assuming it is not
very good engraving (otherwise the price would probably be higher ),
I don't see much in the way of collector interest in the gun. With these
assumptions, I would think $600 would be the most to pay.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Art Doc]

It would all depend on the quality of the engraving and there's no way to determine that without at least seeing good quality photos.

 

[opoefc]

What's the barrel length? If it's a 7 1/2 inch original barrel with or without target sights, it's worth a grand easy, forget the engraving! And if it's a 4 inch barrel target sighted - double that.

 

[Don/Washington]

The triple lock has a 5" barrel. Sent a request
to Jinks for information. Wonder how long it
takes to get letter back. Still trying to figure out how to post photos. Don't know
if I have permission yet.

 

[opoefc]

It is taking about 2 to 3 mos. for a factory letter request answer, as Roy has a large backlog. The quality of the letter's info depends a lot on how much info you send Roy. I hope you sent him lots of nice close ups of the engraving quality, a pictures of ALL stampngs and markings, especially under the grips! A 5 in. barrel is not real rare but is uncommon. Good luck, Ed.

 

[Don/Washington]

Thanks for the reply. Can't remember whether
I answered you. Did send good pics on the
engraving, but not pic of under grips. Cound'nt
see anything there. Guess should have checked
with someone on SW Forum before I sent the pics.
Have a 32 S&W, so will know more & will send better info to roy when want
ltr on it.

 

[opoefc]

I always advise members to check under the grips on any older S&W, especially engraved guns, as that is the area where everyone who worked on the gun signed off with their fitters. assemblers, inspectors, engravers, etc. marks or stamps. ( or didn't sign off, equally important ). The grip frame can be like a Rosetta Stone and can tell you a lot of things by what is there, or not there, if you know how to read it. Ed.