That's why his father kept it locked up in the safe.Original S&W pearl stocks!
Kevin
Real pearls are subject to becoming brittle & cracking in excessively dry conditions, so maybe that also applies to MOP. If so, what's good for the metal is bad for the MOP.FYI, pearl stocks are not as durable as wood or horn so they chip easily. Just so you are aware.
Kevin
Neither the OP's .32 or the .38 have the blue or CC; does this mean they've both been refinished?The lack of a blue finish on the action release knob and no case hardening on the hammer and trigger indicates a refinish.
Rather surprising, as I'd bet most of them, esp. the ones with pearl grips, spent most of their time in a dresser drawer or bedside table, not used in a way that would damage their finish; in fact, if they were ever subjected to a lot of wear, you'd think the pearl would show it first.I've always assumed my .38 has been refinished, but I have no way of knowing for sure.
I believe so. Going by what I've seen, I think it was a fairly common practice. Many of the old nickel top breaks we see look like crap. Many of the nicer ones have been refinished. Fewer still are pristine collector pieces.Neither the OP's .32 or the .38 have the blue or CC; does this mean they've both been refinished?