If you aren't sure what I am referring to here, is the line from the 1970 motion picture Patton starring George C. Scott:
when a reporter asks about Patton's pearl handled Colts, he replies: "They're ivory! Only a pimp from a cheap New Orleans whorehouse would carry a pearl-handled pistol"
The actual quote from Patton went a little different: "Son, only a pimp in a Louisiana whore house carries pearl handled revolvers, these are ivory"
In spite of Patton's comments, I happen to like the look of mother of pearl grips on a shiny nickel or stainless gun. I also like Ivory, but ivory grips often sell for more than the pistol they are designed to fit. I guess that could also be said of real mother of pearl, but fortunately we have the option of buying faux grip panels that look like the real thing at a fraction of the cost.
Here are some examples of older nickel plated Smith & Wesson revolvers with pearl grips.
I found these grips from a seller on ebay. They are not real Mother of Pearl, but a realistic facsimile and much more affordable.
The maker was in Thailand, but had excellent feedback and a decent price so I figured I would take a chance and ordered up a pair.
The fit and finish were pretty damn good for the price I paid, and the look is exactly what I was after!
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