Changes in the RSSE engravings

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twriggen
Posts: 98
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2021 4:42 pm
Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by twriggen »

It was single digits today and forecasting to go negative this weekend. Time to pull out some Rugers and make sure everything is in good condition. While I was wiping down the RSSE units I couldn't help but take a moment to admire the workmanship that went into these revolvers. I have three examples to compare: Spanish, All Blue, and the more common later polished grip frames. The Spanish stands out as the masterpiece between the three with much deeper and detailed engraving and a much larger coverage. The All Blued, part of Group 2 (shipped 8/27/55) in Jerred's "interview" run to get the contract to engrave for Ruger, is a very nice piece with nice deep engraving and detail but not as much coverage as the Spanish. The final unit in my collection is from Group 13 (shipped 10/2/57) of the total of 14 groups sent to Jerred per "Compliments of Col. Ruger". This revolver is tastefully engraved but does not have the depth and detail, nor coverage, of even the first run of All Blued guns completed by Jerred. I was trying to decipher costs on the Jerred guns, and it looks like they started at $25 each and finished at $30. The All Blued is the much better deal of the Jerred guns, but when laid side by side the Spanish outshines them both.

Edited as I found I had copies of both invoices from Jerred on the two that I currently own showing that both were invoiced out at $30 each. I guess an example of shrinkflation way back in the 50's.
Attachments
Top view of all.JPG
Top view of all 2.JPG
Side View 2.JPG
Last edited by twriggen on Sat Feb 08, 2025 4:27 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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gunman42782
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Location: KY

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by gunman42782 »

I always considered the engraved Single Sixes the Holy Grail of Ruger collecting, and dang if you don't have 3 of them! I use this word too much, but that truly is an awesome group of revolvers!
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flattop44
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Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 2:31 pm
Location: Alabama

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by flattop44 »

A great showing of RSSEs. I agree with you on the Spanish being the top of the line. Thanks for letting us see these fine Rugers.
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JAYDAWG
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Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2017 1:14 pm
Location: Olympic Peninsula

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by JAYDAWG »

Sweet................ 8-) 8-)
I do not "own" these guns, I am but the next caretaker
Brass Frame
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Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 3:22 am

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by Brass Frame »

It is really great to see a study of the most sought after Single Six ever made by Ruger. Your comments are quite interesting and provide much information. The book written by Mr. Dougan is also the best source of accurate information! Glad I was able to help you. Brass Frame/Lee
radicalrod
Posts: 479
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 12:00 pm

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by radicalrod »

Wow a Spanish and an all blue gun then a standard......you get to sit at the big boy table 8-)
I am slightly envious but happy for you. These have eluded me in my Ruger chasing.....
I do own 50680 and 50681 IIRK......
Hawkeye28
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Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:17 pm
Location: Near North Woods

Re: Changes in the RSSE engravings

Post by Hawkeye28 »

Well, I love the three RSSE that you share........we "know of" about 50+ percent of the 258 RSSE guns.....Out of the unknown guns "out there", one or two "new to us" seem to show up each year . It pays to have John Dougan's text "Compliments of Col. Ruger"! I believe Brother Donnie Findley still has this book for sale, last time we spoke. Do not ignore or forget that "They are "still out there"........" BTW, of the 20 Spanish guns, last I recall, we know of at least 18. 8-) :D
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