contender
Ruger Guru
I saw on sleezbay today where a letter from JC Munnell (I think) was up for auction,,, no bids, and opening at $100.
But the prize,, was Charles Jerred's notebook. It's up with an opening bid of $5700.00 and no bids so far. Lots of details in that book. It's time for a "big dog" to step up!
Quote from auction;
This is a one of a kind item for collectors of Rugers and other engraved guns. Charles Jerred, 1925 - 1987, is a name well known in the engraving world. He began his engraving career in the 1940's at Hunter Arms in Fulton, NY, where he apprenticed under Albert Kraus. Aftr that factory closed circa 1950, he continued engraving out of his own shop and gradually became more and more well known for his artistic work. He was probably most famous for engraving the single - six revolvers for Sturm Ruger Co. during the 1950's. He recorded every engraving job he ever did in a single old receipt book which is the subject of this sale. The first entry dated 12/14/1953 was for a "mauser sporter" - each entry includes the type of gun or piece engraved, and generally includes the date, the name and usually the address of the customer, a brief description of the work done and the amount paid, all written in his own hand. The book is intact and solid except for the cover, which is separated but included. The book measures approx 9 X 14 X just under an inch in thickness. His records cover the first 55 pages or so. It's a complete record of his engraving work and includes all the Ruger single sixes, Blackhawks, flattops, etc. he engraved for Bill Ruger in those early days. It records each batch of pistols received from Ruger, their serial numbers, date done, etc. I realize this book would be a great addition to top off a Ruger collection as it is truly the only one in existance. As his son, I have no sentimental attachment to the book, for I see in it how grossly underpaid my dad was for his outstanding work. For example, on the first page he recorded engraving a "Colt Cobra including inlaid gold relief antelope head and gold initials". Payment for this work was $20. Granted it was the 1950's, but this was still a lot of intense work for 20 bucks. The time frame covered is from 1953 to early 1963 at which time the shop was closed and my father went on to become a college astronomy professor. In the back of the book are interesting notes and odds and ends - some rubbings of engraved work, notes and sketches on shotgun shell construction, his own plans for a "gas operated muzzle brake" and some sort of gas powered gun, theories on astronomy etc. The real value to collectors lies in its uniqueness and detailed records of engraved guns.
But the prize,, was Charles Jerred's notebook. It's up with an opening bid of $5700.00 and no bids so far. Lots of details in that book. It's time for a "big dog" to step up!
Quote from auction;
This is a one of a kind item for collectors of Rugers and other engraved guns. Charles Jerred, 1925 - 1987, is a name well known in the engraving world. He began his engraving career in the 1940's at Hunter Arms in Fulton, NY, where he apprenticed under Albert Kraus. Aftr that factory closed circa 1950, he continued engraving out of his own shop and gradually became more and more well known for his artistic work. He was probably most famous for engraving the single - six revolvers for Sturm Ruger Co. during the 1950's. He recorded every engraving job he ever did in a single old receipt book which is the subject of this sale. The first entry dated 12/14/1953 was for a "mauser sporter" - each entry includes the type of gun or piece engraved, and generally includes the date, the name and usually the address of the customer, a brief description of the work done and the amount paid, all written in his own hand. The book is intact and solid except for the cover, which is separated but included. The book measures approx 9 X 14 X just under an inch in thickness. His records cover the first 55 pages or so. It's a complete record of his engraving work and includes all the Ruger single sixes, Blackhawks, flattops, etc. he engraved for Bill Ruger in those early days. It records each batch of pistols received from Ruger, their serial numbers, date done, etc. I realize this book would be a great addition to top off a Ruger collection as it is truly the only one in existance. As his son, I have no sentimental attachment to the book, for I see in it how grossly underpaid my dad was for his outstanding work. For example, on the first page he recorded engraving a "Colt Cobra including inlaid gold relief antelope head and gold initials". Payment for this work was $20. Granted it was the 1950's, but this was still a lot of intense work for 20 bucks. The time frame covered is from 1953 to early 1963 at which time the shop was closed and my father went on to become a college astronomy professor. In the back of the book are interesting notes and odds and ends - some rubbings of engraved work, notes and sketches on shotgun shell construction, his own plans for a "gas operated muzzle brake" and some sort of gas powered gun, theories on astronomy etc. The real value to collectors lies in its uniqueness and detailed records of engraved guns.
