[Steelervette]

Hi all,
Recently purchased a 44 Magnum.
Although I don't like the term, I guess some call it a pre-29. Doubt it was called that before the model 29 came about.
I haven't taken possession yet as the process in Canada is painfully slow.
Hence no pictures, but I'll post them asap if members are interested.
What I did get though is the Archive Letter.
Hence my question: What is more relevant to value: the serial # or the shipping date?
This revolver is a 5 screw , 6.5" barrel, red ramp front sight, white outline rear site, target hammer, target trigger, blue finish, and checkered Goncalo Alves target grips. All original in the original box with the tools. Condition 9/10
It has been fired, but very little.
The Archive letter puts it in the first production block of S130700 - S131000 and before the first commercially released 44 Magnum of # S130942 which was shipped on January 20th, 1956.
The gun I purchased has a lower serial number but a later shipping date - May 16, 1957.
Any estimate of value ( I know, pictures to follow) would be appreciated

 

[delcrossv]

The only thing really relevant to value is the condition. The Serial number is only loosely connected to the shipping date as S&W never shipped in S/N order.

We'd really like to see some pictures! (and would need same to assess value)

This one is one of the first 250 out the door (originally a salesman's sample)

 

[series guy]

Very nice find.Without photos it's just a WAG but if it has the proper stocks and everything is correct and in excellent condition I would be thinking ~ $5k

 

[Steelervette]

I only have this one picture at this time.

Will post more when I take possession.
I may have been generous with stating the condition as I just purchased it today and was quite excited about the find. A very early numbered 5 screw! Never had one of these before.

 

[delcrossv]

Is that box smooth or pebble grained?

 

[Steelervette]

Here's a pic of the box.
Don't spoil it for me and say its a repro. lol

 

[delcrossv]

As it was shipped in mid '57, it's the correct box. The very early (1956) shippers had a pebble grain box.

the box alone is probably worth $500+ I do not store my 44 in the case.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Cha-ching!

 

[Steelervette]

Wow, thanks.
That's reassuring

 

[tomjimmy00]

That is a great find and thank you for your post. New pics of older Smiths are great to see. And I don't think I've ever seen one of those blue cases before, just the usual wood ones. Thanks again and really looking forward to the follow up pics when you get it.

 

[Steelervette]

Pre 29 update.
Just received my pre 29 revolver today.
Here are some pics.
Its not perfect but its pretty nice.
Negligible handling marks, faint drag lines.
Appears to have very few rounds though it.

Its on my list of grail guns and I don't think I'll find another like it any time soon.
Still curious about the serial number:
Does anyone know of any pre 29's with a serial as low as this one? Its S1307xx?

 

[Royal]

That looks beautiful! It's serial number is a bit before my own, which is S1523XX. Mine is also in the same style box.

 

[Steelervette]

Nice

 

[series guy]

S130741 was a factory display gun at the mid winter matches in 1956 in Tampa, Fla. The entire display was sold to Jesse Harpe. Mine is much later with an S171XXX serial number

 

[Steelervette]

Mine is lower serial numbered than the Jesse Harpe factory display gun.
Mine also has a P stamped on the yolk by itself above the assembly/ inspection number.
Not sure what this P signifies.
Can provide photo if that helps

 

[series guy]

Those random letters and numbers were just inspector stamps and have no real meaning once the gun is complete.

 

[delcrossv]

Mine is lower serial numbered than the Jesse Harpe factory display gun.
Mine also has a P stamped on the yolk by itself above the assembly/ inspection number.
Not sure what this P signifies.
Can provide photo if that helps

Series guy beat me to it.

 

[series guy]

Something to remember is that this frame was being shared with multiple other models and S&W never worried about keeping frames/guns in serial number order.

 

[Royal]

Man... I learn so much on here...

 

[froghunt59]

I have pre 29 that I got a year ago. S1728xx which is a1957. Your is beautiful. Great find.

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