budrichard
08-30-09, 03:04 AM
The Model 21 here has an engraving pattern somewhat similar to the factory 21-4 pattern but has one bird per side versus two birds per side for the factory 21-4 pattern.
It was finally judged non-factory.
I have seen a number of Model 21's of this type with non-factory engraving. whether done because of cost or time savings can't discerned at this vantage point in time except to say that for a collector it actually devalues the gun.
Another reason is that a well used Model 21 is sometimes seen as a 'cash cow' that with minimal refinishing, sometimes new wood and a quick engraving will bring big dollars when sold.
I personally would not purchase an engraved Model 21 without a Cody letter confirming that it was factory engraved.-Dick
It was finally judged non-factory.
I have seen a number of Model 21's of this type with non-factory engraving. whether done because of cost or time savings can't discerned at this vantage point in time except to say that for a collector it actually devalues the gun.
Another reason is that a well used Model 21 is sometimes seen as a 'cash cow' that with minimal refinishing, sometimes new wood and a quick engraving will bring big dollars when sold.
I personally would not purchase an engraved Model 21 without a Cody letter confirming that it was factory engraved.-Dick