Hello everybody,
I am new to this forum and have read with interest a number of the posts. I have just bought a Santa Barbara replica and after having read various posts regarding these I think I have figured out one or two things about it. It is beautifully engraved, as many of them were it appears. Mine is, I think, a fully engraved version, parts of the engraving are highly polished giving those areas an almost "silver inlay" effect. The bluing is also interesting in as much as it has a variegated look to it, almost like color case hardening but not so pronounced. Very pretty and smooth to the touch! It is also an early model with the serial number 502. It came with a Taylors and Co. drop in conversion cylinder that fits perfectly. It is in like new condition, I have fired both cylinders and it shoots great.
I will post some pictures soon and let all pass comment.