I know it's pretty hard to say .......but what is a ball park value on a really spectacularly ,professionally ,fully engraved 97+ % blued S&W .44 Magnum ?
I have seen a few over the years and most of the engraving , although attractive , left me lacking something .
This one I saw recently has absolutely STUNNING engraving .

Maybe it would be better to ask how much engraving add's to the value of a pristine 29-2 ?

Can't say . Was this factory engraving, or by an outside master with a famous rep? Are there silver or gold inlays? What is the quality of any animals shown?

It's a Long Tube barrel , and I would say it was done by a famous outside Master . The animal is as well done as I could ever imagine and and is done in Gold. It has some other minor Gold inlay .

44 Magnums engraved and inlaid with precious metals by Alvin White have sold for $20,000 or more. However, without actually knowing the identity of the engraver and seeing detailed photos of the 29-2, it is impossible to estimate value.

Bill

Engraving, like any art form, is somewhat personal, what one collector really loves another may pass. As per value above a standard 29-2, you have to ask what it is worth to you? Is this what you would you would commission if you were having a gun engraved? Class A or B type coverage and a few gold animals and wire work will easily cost you $3000 to $7500 plus (depending on artist) if you were having it done. Are you interested in this piece to keep and enjoy or for resale? As Bill mentioned, photos would certainly help. Identifying the artist is also important. What documentation is available? Check engraved pieces that are similar and what they actually sold for. There are two factory engraved 8 3/8's 29-2,s on GB, one by Russ Smith and another by Paul Piquette with gold inlays for $5000 or under.

Bob

What side of the gun is the trademark on?

__________________
Paul
S&WCA #2726

Wow....., deep subject I reckon . Thank you for your input . Not sure what the "trademark" is ?

Mike:

I love the long tube engraved guns - more canvas space for engraving. Here are a couple of my .44 Magnum long tube factory engraved revolvers.

Blued one:









... and a nickel one:









... and one more - Jeff Flannery aftermarket engraved (Nov 1984):









The above 44's are all "nicely" engraved and I believe would sell rather quickly in the $4K - $7K range. The "magnificent" ones are the ones owned by Bill and engraved by Alvin White, they will sell for a lot more... Maybe we can talk him into posting a photo of his Alvin White 8.375" "Moose Magnum"

__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Engraved and inlaid by Alvin White in January 1959. One of the earliest 44 Magnums with an 8 3/8-inch barrel. click on the photo for a better look

Bill

WOW !! Those are works of art.
The one I was referring to was done by ENGRAVER M. WOODSIDE