Hi... Just added a Model 29 no dash to the herd. It's a 6 1/2 inch 4-screw model. Well worn with significant muzzle bluing loss, but action tight, trigger crisp. Expect to replace grips soon.
The serial number has me a little confused. S221894 suggests 1961. The "book" says 4-screw sideplates were in the range S130000 to S167500.
Also the trade mark fades to the right; is that at all normal?
I'd appreciate any input. Thanks

4 screw sideplate means a 5 screw gun. A four screw gun has 3 sideplate screws and the 4th screw in the front of the trigger guard.

S221894 should be a 29-1 - or at least I think so. I list S220004 as being a 29-1, shipping on 12/13/62. Maybe that is incorrect? That one has the 4-screw frame (no upper sideplate screw).
S220,000 – S227,999……Late 1961 – Early 1962 (manufacture).

Your 44 Magnum probably shipped in early 1962. Is it stamped MOD-29 in the yoke cut below the serial number? The S&W trademark on the side plate looks a little lighter than normal. This "suggests" the 29 may have been refinished. Also, the stocks date to the mid- to late 70s.

Bill

Yes, the smooth presentation target grips should be no earlier than around 1967 (depending on whether the washer was black or stainless).

Thanks for the information.
The logic of a 4-screw sideplate meaning a 5-screw revolver had escaped me.