what is value of vs cost of Factory Letter?

[kwselke]

Your posting alone is spectacular, far as I'm concerned. Thanks for putting that up.

Thanks TexMex, I was afraid I would be admonished for posting about a Colt outside of the Lounge.

I see you are from South Texas, so you'll know where when I say the picture of my grandfather was taken outside of the La Salle County Courthouse.

Holding that piece of family history in my hands sent chills through me. Getting the factory letter blew my mind. The unanswered question the family now has is, how did my grandfather get a gun like that. My theory is he used his mustering out pay after serving in France during WW-I. Another popular theory is that his wealthy older brother gave it to him.

I guess a lot of the value of a factory letter depends on what you are trying to confirm.

 

[flagman1776]

Lettering S&W Ladysmith Model M

I have a S&W Ladysmith Model M Handejector Model ladysmith, 3" barrel, all matching. Second change of 1906. SN 121XX. Produced 1906-1909. SNs 4576 - 13,950 = 9374 units.
Plating is pefect, no washed lettering.

I purchased it in Rhode Island perhaps 2 hour drive from Springfield. What could be gained by having the gun lettered?

 

[kwselke]

I have a S&W Ladysmith Model M Handejector Model ladysmith, 3" barrel, all matching. Second change of 1906. SN 121XX. Produced 1906-1909. SNs 4576 - 13,950 = 9374 units.
Plating is pefect, no washed lettering.

I purchased it in Rhode Island perhaps 2 hour drive from Springfield. What could be gained by having the gun lettered?

Satisfaction about what you own.

 

[seinen]

For folks like myself who collect and research S&W handguns with a Japanese Meiji Era connection, the factory letters are worth every penny they cost and the wait to receive them.

C/