In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

real Pearl grips

geeguygeeguy Member Posts: 1,047 ✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
I picked up an old Eastern Arms (Sears).32 break open revolver with what appear to be Pearl Grips. They are not rubber or plastic (gun was made between 1895-1930's I believe).

What are "pearl grips" actually made of? Where would I look to access the value of something like this? Not looking to sell them, just interested since I've never seen a "real" set of grips like these.

Thanks
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • md1634md1634 Member Posts: 644 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There made of mollusk shell,can't remember which one, maybe clam. Somebody will be along that knows. I do know that they are pretty delicate;you see a lot that are chipped or cracked.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 32 Magnum32 Magnum Member Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Pearl" grips were/are made from the nacre or internal lining of the Abalone shell.
    As to value: depending upon the gun they are intended/made to fit, prices on auction sites range from around $35 to $100 for the smaller, more common pieces up to around $200+ if for SAA Colts, 1911s, Older S&Ws, the higher end value guns, from what I've seen.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Not abalone, unless they are abalone grips. The correct term is mother-of-pearl. They are made from oyster shell (white pearl.)
    Bill
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Punch in 'pearl grips' on ebay and you will see a lot of them. New or like new for large pistols they can run around $200 maybe more . Small pistol used pearls run from $50-75 up for old S&W & Colts. For non-descript break open types they are much cheaper. Pearl grips on old break open revolvers usually don't add much if any to the sale value but may make one sell a little quicker. I recently bought 3 pairs S&W K frame type for average $35 a pair slightly chipped. I repair them & sometimes fit them to different guns. Hope this helps
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.