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February 28, 2026
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I have a friend who wants to sell me this IHMSA 44 Mag. Until today I hadn't even heard of IHMSA. I did some research and found out what it is and that Dan Wesson made members guns with their membership numbers. The engraving is superior. I'm sure whoever had the gun had it engraved. Does anyone know anything about it. I would like to know who the engraver was and does anyone have a ballpark figure on what I should offer.
I would also like to know the model number and when it was made.
Thank you
February 28, 2026
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BobbyRoy said
I have a friend who wants to sell me this IHMSA 44 Mag. Until today I hadn't even heard of IHMSA. I did some research and found out what it is and that Dan Wesson made members guns with their membership numbers. The engraving is superior. I'm sure whoever had the gun had it engraved. Does anyone know anything about it. I would like to know who the engraver was and does anyone have a ballpark figure on what I should offer.I would also like to know the model number and when it was made.
Thank you
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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He's correct- it doesn't look like the pattern DW used, being a leaf pattern and not so much scroll. The 1977 catalog describes four engraving levels, each increasing in coverage and complexity:
Class A — Light coverage: Small scroll panels on the frame and barrel, minimal shading, intended as an entry‑level decorative option, least expensive of the four classes.
Class B — Medium coverage, larger scroll panels with more detail, additional work on the cylinder and side plate, more shading and background removal than Class A.
Class C — Heavy coverage, extensive scrollwork across frame, barrel, and cylinder, more elaborate leaf patterns and deeper cuts, approaching full‑coverage but still leaving some open metal.
Class D — Full coverage (top tier), nearly every visible surface engraved, deep, ornate scrolls with punch‑dot or cross‑hatch background, often included borders, shading, and more refined layout, most expensive and rarest factory option.
Engravers like Weldon Lister, Ken Hurst, John Adams, and Frank Hendricks, all engraved revolvers in the DW era. The symmetrical, flowing leaf pattern is typical of 1970s–1990s American engravers. Unless there is a visible signature or initials (many engravers sign under the grips or inside the crane) it may not be possible to identify the engraver.
All of that said, engraving may add value if you can determine who engraved it. Otherwise, it's worth what you're willing to pay. As a comparison- full engraving at the time ran about 1K from the factory.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Exceptional engraving. The date of manufacturing would be in the mid 80s I think from the serial number which is not an IHMSA member's membership number. I suspect the gun was a prize from a Silhouette match but have no proof of that. There is unlikely to be providence available. 9.5 " barrel is a plus. Is there a box and tool? Display case? If not, the gun is worth the value of the basic gun and what ever the engraving is worth to the buyer. Prices are hard to pin down these days. $1200 to $1600 for the gun and maybe $500 to $1000 for the engraving. So $1700 to $2600 is my guess. I would offer the lower figure.
Model number is 44 Magnum !
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March 25, 2013
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Us old guys awake early and often Ron. We were typing at the same time.
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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For me, unless the engraving is factory, it adds nothing to the value. I'd offer what you feel its worth. For me I'd say $1000 to $1200 is a good starting place.
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February 28, 2026
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rwsem said
He's correct- it doesn't look like the pattern DW used, being a leaf pattern and not so much scroll. The 1977 catalog describes four engraving levels, each increasing in coverage and complexity:Class A — Light coverage: Small scroll panels on the frame and barrel, minimal shading, intended as an entry‑level decorative option, least expensive of the four classes.
Class B — Medium coverage, larger scroll panels with more detail, additional work on the cylinder and side plate, more shading and background removal than Class A.
Class C — Heavy coverage, extensive scrollwork across frame, barrel, and cylinder, more elaborate leaf patterns and deeper cuts, approaching full‑coverage but still leaving some open metal.
Class D — Full coverage (top tier), nearly every visible surface engraved, deep, ornate scrolls with punch‑dot or cross‑hatch background, often included borders, shading, and more refined layout, most expensive and rarest factory option.
Engravers like Weldon Lister, Ken Hurst, John Adams, and Frank Hendricks, all engraved revolvers in the DW era. The symmetrical, flowing leaf pattern is typical of 1970s–1990s American engravers. Unless there is a visible signature or initials (many engravers sign under the grips or inside the crane) it may not be possible to identify the engraver.
All of that said, engraving may add value if you can determine who engraved it. Otherwise, it's worth what you're willing to pay. As a comparison- full engraving at the time ran about 1K from the factory.
Thank you
February 28, 2026
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Thank
Ole Dog said
Exceptional engraving. The date of manufacturing would be in the mid 80s I think from the serial number which is not an IHMSA member's membership number. I suspect the gun was a prize from a Silhouette match but have no proof of that. There is unlikely to be providence available. 9.5 " barrel is a plus. Is there a box and tool? Display case? If not, the gun is worth the value of the basic gun and what ever the engraving is worth to the buyer. Prices are hard to pin down these days. $1200 to $1600 for the gun and maybe $500 to $1000 for the engraving. So $1700 to $2600 is my guess. I would offer the lower figure.Model number is 44 Magnum !
Thank you
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July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!!!! Nice revo!
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