[COKid]

I'd bet a months pay that the storekeeper is refinished, then engraved. And while definitely done by a talented engraver, it is not top notch engraving.

 

[COKid]

No offense to anyone intended, but regarding the gun shown in Post #7: Poor lighting and photography make the gun look horrible...possibly worse than it looks in real life.

You're right that the lighting makes it look worse than it is. I think the engraver shows definite talent. This is not a hack job. However it's also not top notch. Varying depths, flat spots in curves, easy to see stop/start lines, and noted differences in parts that were attempted to be matched (along both sides of the barrel address) jump out at me. Definitely an apprentice or journeyman level

 

[COKid]

Thanks. I looked back and saw that and edited my post a few mintes ago.. What I see in the photos is more than the box's listed. You really need the archives letter and a copy of the CCS build sheet. No other way to verify everything. Just order one letter for either serial number ( it won't matter which) as either letter will list both guns shipped as a pair to Dury or the original purchaser or both I'd bet Dury ordered the guns for the customer. Off chance they may have the original order form.

Model P1840 Custom Shop guns
blue and case
journeyman D engraved
2 gold lines (cylinder and barrel)
extra cylinders fitted (also one gold line)
One-piece Sambar stag grips (I am guessing order or at least shipped after ivory was no longer available? July 2016)
consecutive serial numbers

Hefty price tag to replace them.

Everyone seems to want to beat up on the Sheriff's Model. I think they are wrong. Yes is shows a little use/handling. Still, it is a Colt engraved gun with nice ivory. Typically $6K+ for that combo today. Engraved C grade Sherrif's with factory ivory?...not all that common.

The CS 4445 # on the box is the Colt Custom Shop order number and original build sheet. Letter this one too and ask about that CS#. You'll want the # for your pair too. Ask Dury's for the SC order # for those guns. View attachment 802375

I never would have guessed that the sheriff's model was 100% factory. I did call it on the apprentice/journeyman level engraving however.

This is the first time I've ever seen "journeyman engraving" on a box like that.

 

[COKid]

Common until recently. Now they call it "standard".

Good to know. Learn something here every day