Opinions on who built this real Old Model Vaquero

[edwardyoung]

I traded into this 1970-vintage, OM 357 Blackhawk recently. As you can see, the top strap was remodeled, the grip frame round-butted, it was converted to 44 Special, and the frame and hammer were case hardened.. The barrel was shortened to 4". Black powder chamfer on the cylinder. I'm sure there are other things I haven't noticed.

I've been looking around the internet, looking for clues to who might have done the work. My guess would be Cosby Custom Gunsmithing, but it isn't marked as such. I called them and left a message, but Mr Cosby hasn't called back. I'm sure he has better things to do than respond to rednecks about some gun they just traded into, so I thought I'd see if anyone here had an opinion. Thanks.

[dlhredfoxx]

My opinion? No clue who made it, but man is that gun purdy! If you ever want to sell it, PLEASE pm me! Classic belly gun if I ever saw one!

PS- could that marking on the left grip panel indicative of the maker?

[edwardyoung]

Thanks. That's the Masonic emblem. I assume the man who had this gun built, D C McDuffie(whose name is engraved on the backstrap), is(or was) a Mason.

[mike454]

My guess is Brian Cosby also. I saw some of his work in the early-mid 90s in which he welded up the topstrap of a blackhawk and recut in the Colt SAA style. This was pre Vaquero. The color hardening reminds me of what I recall theirs looking like. Called them Crugers.

[CraigC]

It does look like some of Cosby's past work but without any markings, it'll be difficult to know for sure. That is, unless you can find a gunsmith with a record of the previous owner, the gun or both.

[edwardyoung]

It sounds I probably guessed correctly. Thanks for your informed opinions.

[dlhredfoxx]

Don't matter who made it IMO, it's freakin stunning! Whomever made it was an artisan of metal and wood. I can't stop looking at it, I'm in a trance!

[wildwillalaska]

I cannot tell from the photos, but if you sent it for closer inspection I could form a better opinion.

[edwardyoung]

It seems like there's at least one other who likes it as much as I do. I'll email you if I ever do consider selling it, dlhredfoxx.

Thanks for your offer as well, Will. I'll get back with you.

[cubrock]

I'm impressed that multiple people recognized it as likely having been made by Cosby. Pretty astounding!

[dlhredfoxx]

Still drooling...

[edwardyoung]

Jul 12, 2012 19:07:47 GMT -5 cubrock said:

I'm impressed that multiple people recognized it as likely having been made by Cosby. Pretty astounding!

My usual would have been to discover that Bubba Cosby, as opposed to Brian Cosby, might have had something to do with it