Engraved NM FT 44 with Simulated Ivory Grips

I have been putting different grips on this factory engraved and gold inlaid 50th Anniversary NM FT 44 and thought these simulated ivory grips that were used on the Joe Bowman Vaquero looked pretty good. They fit the revolver very well.

Bill

That does look good but.... That guns is screaming for some custom ivory grips or maybe dalls ram horn or maybe some.....

Doc,
That is a Beautiful Gun!!! Details please!!!!
Terry

The 44 does have a set of custom, engraved elephant ivory grips fitted to the frame, made by Nutmeg Sports (Jim Alaimo). I was just trying different grips to see how they looked and thought these looked pretty good. However, I agree that real ivory is best.

Terry...this NM FT 44 was engraved by Paul Lantuch of the Ruger Studio of Art and Decoration in early 2006 and was done to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Blackhawk 44 Magnum. It is covered with Hand Engraved Level Three Western Scroll and gold inlays. It is the first NM FT 44 sold by Ruger and was shipped in April 2006. It has serial number 089-00527. The 50th Anniversary roll mark on top of the barrel is not gold filled and there is no warning roll marked on the barrel. Mr. Lantuch signed the revolver on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard. I have quite a few engraved revolvers in my collection (S&Ws), and this one ranks with the best.

Below is a photo of the ivory grips I had made by Nutmeg Sports in 2006.

Bill

Doc44,
Thank you very much for the info!! This is the first one of those I have seen! On my list of Collectible NM FT's I have in my notes, Unknown number made, Ultra Rare.

I agree on the work absolutely Beautifull.
Thanks again, and Congradulations on a very Rare NM FT
Terry

I remain impressed with this engraved revolver. Congratulations! 8)

I now remember the original grips you had on that gun. What a fabulous piece of iron. Wish I had gotten one made up too. i believe that gun is one of a kind and is probably already in a ultra rare collectable class only after five years.

Thanks for the photos.

Jody

Very nice indeed 8)

Glad you posted it again :!: my first view of this fine Ruger 8)

:lol: My wife came in the room and accused me of lookin at porn cause I was "Staring at my laptop,with a glazed look in my eye,and a little spittle hanging from the corner of my mouth. :roll: I think I may have even peed alittle :!: :?

Not at all uncommon for us old Guys.......Old Corvettes, Young blondes, Engraved Single Sixes, ten inch 357 and 44's.........M&M's on sale......You get the 8) :wink: picture...... :lol:

It is the only factory engraved NM .44 Flat Top, right!? You must be someone special. I have been wondering why Ruger made the "One of Five Hundred" 50th anniversary .357 Blackhawks with gold engraving, but simply left the first 500 serial numbered .44's out. Do you think there is a chance they'll turn up engraved some day? I'm probably just dreaming...

That is Very Nice Indeed!! Plus you take the best photos! Thank you for sharing.

Doc,
Have you ever seen a NVB34-50 factory engraved gun? less than 20
believed to have been made. This was in addition to the 500 NVB34-50G
guns. I have never seen any estimates on how many guns like yours were made.
Once again congrats on a very,very rare NM FT.

Terry

Terry...I have not seen the model you referenced, but would like to see one someday. The FT 44 I have was made to my specifications so it is most likely the only one. I think John Dougan may have had one engraved, but it does not have the gold inlay and I may be remembering our conversation incorrectly.

I worked with the Ruger Studio of Art and Decoration beginning early in 2006 when the NM FT 44 was announced. The revolver was shipped to me in April. It was the first NM FT 44 sold by Ruger.

I had the elephant ivory grips made by Jim Alaimo of Nutmeg Sports. Each panel was carved to match the engraving on the revolver and they are fitted to its grip frame.

Bill

Yours has no barrel rollmark on it, right (I am assuming it is the one listed in the RENE)!? I wish Ruger would have followed your lead and made more like it. You have excellent taste.

I love the Joe Bowman grips on that revolver, maybe not as fancy as the real ivories, but I like the 'factory' look better. Got a pair on my NM Vaquero and they are really nice.

BlackEagle...this 44 is the one listed in the RENE literature.

Bill