Lettering a Smith & Wesson
I'm considering having S&W letter my K22, but don't know if it would be worth the expense given the stocks aren't numbers matching.
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I don't see the point unless the gun is somewhat unusual. Which a K22 isn't.
A factory letter will tell you the original configuration, when and where it was shipped. Ok, you learn that it has always been a 6" blue and that it went to one or another dealer or distributor on a random date in the production run. Whee.0 -
The short answer in my mind is it depends.
If you suspect someone famous, or infamous, ordered your pistol or your pistol is a special order, it might be worth the $50. If your pistol may have been ordered from a place where provenance would increase the value, it might be worth the $50.
I've only gotten the factory letter on one Smith:
I'm not sure if the letter increases the value of the pistol or not, but it certainly makes it more interesting.
YMMV.0 -
Thanks for the input gentlemen.
While I won't hope for someone famous, the Baughman front sight and lanyard loop leads me to believe it was a special order.
Those two are the reason I lean towards having it lettered. To verify that they are indeed original to the revolver.
quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
quote:the Baughman front sight and lanyard loop leads me to believe it was a special order.
You didn't say that before.
Yes, if those were original equipment on a K22, I would expect them to be a value add and worth the bet on a letter.
Ya got me there. I got focused on the off number stocks and forgot the options.[:I]
The Partridge sight was standard on the K22. The Bauhman sight and lanyard loop were special order options.
Paperwork will soon be off to Roy Jinks.
Thanks everybody.0 -
quote:the Baughman front sight and lanyard loop leads me to believe it was a special order.
You didn't say that before.
Yes, if those were original equipment on a K22, I would expect them to be a value add and worth the bet on a letter.0 -
Smith letters don't cost much. I'd do it. 0 -
Just a thought, but how accurate and how valid are these letters? [:D] You never know. [:D] They could be getting pumped out by a room full of part time interns with active imaginations. Who would know? [}:)][:D]
[:D][:D]Responding to comments from below. My point was not whether Roy Jinks is an accepted expert, but that how does one know that Roy Jinks is the REAL source of the letter? Because of some signature and a letterhead? How hard would that be to duplicate? Just messin' with ya guys. [;)] I have no reason to suspect foul play. [:D][:D]0 -
Roy Jinks is not a part time intern. Smith records are much more complete than Winchester's.
Winchester records, for the most part, would be nonexsistent if not for the effort of some very dedicated folks.
What Smith & Wesson puts in thier letters carrys alot of weight in the collector community.
W.D.0 -
quote:Originally posted by andrewsw16
Just a thought, but how accurate and how valid are these letters? [:D] You never know. [:D] They could be getting pumped out by a room full of part time interns with active imaginations. Who would know? [}:)][:D]
Rest assured that a letter from Roy Jinks on a Smith & Wesson carries as much weight as one from John Kopec on Colt SAA's.0
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