Dan Wesson .357 Model 12

[drkphibr]

Found an interesting (and old) DW revolver.

Looks to be a mint condition Model 12 that has:

1. Original box
2. Original instructions and blank warranty registration
3. Barrel wrench and shim
4. 4" engraved shroud and barrel
5. Very lightly used or unfired (save the factory testing) - absolutely zero flame cut or any discernible markings above the forcing cone (and forcing cone is clean (but not solvent/cleaning clean of any carbon or build up - my guess is the gun has never been cleaned nor is it dirty).
6. Tastefully hand engraved (assuming since the age of the gun is ~1968-1971 and given the low 4 digit SN of just over 1,000)
7. Original wood grips (ugly IMO) are flawless, not a single mark on them
8. External barrel nut
9. No marring on the barrel nut or elevation/windage screws which further enforces my "not shot" or tinkered with after purchase position.
10. A turning line, but I'll guess more from dry firing than shooting (I did that a few time as well so feel the action...very tight).

I'm assuming this was purchased and left in the box as a safe queen decades ago.

My questions would be:

1. Did DW do factory engraving back in those days (late 60's) as this does not look to be refinished or aftermarket IMO? Beautiful deep mirror blued finish you see on old S&W's or Colt's. If it was aftermarket, it was refinished by talented craftsmen.
2. Any idea of value? Can't find anything sold to reference against.

[Cool Custard]

That's beautiful!!! I have no idea about your questions though, my bet would be to go in the Dan Wesson forum and ask what they know.

[Dano3467]

Awesome !

[JohnCCW]

I would love to own that gun.

[BlK Lantern]

How much ;-)

[penguinofsleep]

Don't know the answers to your questions but I'd really like to have an engraved dw model 15 someday.

[beerman]

I believe that was a factory offering back then..great find on a bueat of a gun.

[joefrank64k]

Unbelievable find, OP!!! IIRC, there was a factory engraving option on the early DW's.

As to value, who knows??? You've got a really rare offering. To DW collectors, it will be hard to resist!

[Spyder]

I'd love to have that next to my shooter grade of the same thing!

[BigPimping]

Looks like a work of art. Something that would be given as a gift to someone important. Can you tell us how you came into possession of this unique handgun? Very nice OP.