Thoughts and opinions on the value of a Russel J. Smith engraved 29-2 nickel 6-1/2"

JHW · #1 08-08-2015, 10:17 PM

Hello everyone,
I wanted some opinions on the value of a smith & wesson class A engraved model 29 I recently picked it up and just wanted to know how bad I over paid. Haha I fell in love a little too much as I have never seen one with this much paperwork

29-2 factory engraved by RUSSSEL J Smtih and drawing done by Paul piquette.
Shipped 1976

Thanks in advance for any help

g8rb8 · #2 08-08-2015, 10:36 PM

I cannot accurately comment on value but I can positively provide the opinion your model 29 is absolutely gorgeous. A very nice package indeed.

In no way is this a prediction of what your revolver is worth but it seems as if nice examples of nearly fully to fully engraved revolvers of this vintage with box bring in the $2000+ range on the rare occasion I've see one sell. We'll see what the experts say. It would be interesting to have the experts analyze the how and why at arriving at their estimate.

JHW · #3 08-08-2015, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8rb8

I cannot accurately comment on value but I can positively provide the opinion your model 29 is absolutely gorgeous. A very nice package indeed.

In no way is this a prediction of what your revolver is worth but it seems as if nice examples of nearly fully to fully engraved revolvers of this vintage with box bring in the $2000+ range on the rare occasion I've see one sell. We'll see what the experts say. It would be interesting to have the experts analyze the how and why at arriving at their estimate.

Thank you sir. That was the problem when I was buying I really didn't have much to compare it to.

JHW · #4 08-08-2015, 10:51 PM

The revolver has never been fired it does appear as there is no evidence of that. Also I do have the cardboard box that the gun shipped in

g8rb8 · #5 08-08-2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHW

Thank you sir. That was the problem when I was buying I really didn't have much to compare it to.

The revolver has never been fired it does appear as there is no evidence of that. Also I do have the cardboard box that the gun shipped in

Yes. I have drooled over, contemplated, figured, calculated, and a few time almost hit the bid button on a particular S&W Model 27-2, shorter barrel, factory engraved with letter from Roy Jinks, fairly well covered (not nearly as fully engraved as yours), that has sat on a fairly well known gun auction site for at least a year with a minimum opening bid in the low $3000's BUT the little angel that sits on my right shoulder has always won the argument with the devil that sits on my left shoulder. What I have learned from closely watching that one gun is that there are no takers at just a little over $3000 for a nearly fully engraved, unfired, with original box example as described. On the other hand I've seen examples that appear similar to yours, at least to my eye, that go in the $2000's, maybe the mid-$2000's so that is how I arrived at the $2000+ number. These things are significantly works of art of there is a certain subjectivity to value that could significantly differ from one person to the next. It will be interesting to see the experts weigh in.

JHW · #6 08-08-2015, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8rb8

Yes. I have drooled over, contemplated, figured, calculated, and a few time almost hit the bid button on a particular S&W Model 27-2, shorter barrel, class A factory engraving (not as fully engraved as yours), that has sat on a fairly well known gun auction site for at least a year with a minimum opening bid in the low $3000's BUT the little angel that sits on my right shoulder has always won the argument with the devil that sits on my left shoulder. What I have learned from closely watching that one gun is that there are no takers at just a little over $3000 for a nearly fully engraved, unfired, with original box example as described. On the other hand I've seen examples that appear similar to yours, at least to my eye, that go in the $2000's so that is how I arrived at the $2000+ number. These things are significantly works of art of there is a certain subjectivity to value that could significantly differ from one person to the next.

Yeah it's one of those things it just depends on how bad you want it. I'll be honest I paid a little over 3,000 for this on because I think the Russ smith being the engraver added value.

Doc44 · #7 08-09-2015, 08:21 AM

Very nice engraved 29-2. The added paperwork is certainly a plus. I would value the 29-2 at $3500-$4,000.

Bill

pjpjr · #8 08-09-2015, 08:54 AM

Absolutely beautiful revolver you have there. Unfortunately the market drives pricing on these and the fact that you paid $3K+ is "market" on this one at this time. You may get more or LESS if you ever have to sell. These beautiful revolvers have a very limited audience when it comes to buyers. A very nice gun none the less.

RKmesa · #9 08-09-2015, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHW

I'll be honest I paid a little over 3,000 for this on because I think the Russ smith being the engraver added value.

To me - if you like the engraving, can afford the price and you still like the engraving when you bring it home, it's worth what you paid for it. RJ Smith engraved at Smith for a long time. He engraved a lot of nice pieces, several of which spoke to me and are now in my collection. From a price perspective, I think you did fine. As a point of reference - you would pay significantly more than that if you were to commission that piece today - and that is just for the engraving...

I like the gun but I would love to see some closer ups of the animal scenes if you get a chance. Nickel engraved guns are tough to photograph and hard to get the engraving to "pop". BTW - the engraving in the cylinder flutes is reminiscent of Alvin White engraved guns. I don't recall seeing many RJS engraved guns with the flutes engraved...

Thanks for sharing,

Doc44 · #10 08-09-2015, 02:51 PM

JHW...Do you know if this 29-2 was shipped as an engraved revolver or returned to S&W for the engraving? I owned a couple of RJS engraved 44 Magnums similar to yours that were shipped as plain guns and returned to S&W for the work. Also, I don't think Paul Piquette started at S&W until after this 29-2 was first shipped.

Bill

JHW · #11 08-09-2015, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

JHW...Do you know if this 29-2 was shipped as an engraved revolver or returned to S&W for the engraving? I owned a couple of RJS engraved 44 Magnums similar to yours that were shipped as plain guns and returned to S&W for the work. Also, I don't think Paul Piquette started at S&W until after this 29-2 was first shipped.

Bill

It was returned to smith and Wesson after it was purchased to do the engraving. The drawing if you zoom in on the barrel says Paul piquette and the the name that the drawing was for matches the name on the receipt.

JHW · #12 08-09-2015, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKmesa

To me - if you like the engraving, can afford the price and you still like the engraving when you bring it home, it's worth what you paid for it. RJ Smith engraved at Smith for a long time. He engraved a lot of nice pieces, several of which spoke to me and are now in my collection. From a price perspective, I think you did fine. As a point of reference - you would pay significantly more than that if you were to commission that piece today - and that is just for the engraving...

I like the gun but I would love to see some closer ups of the animal scenes if you get a chance. Nickel engraved guns are tough to photograph and get the engraving to "pop". BTW - the engraving in the cylinder flutes is reminiscent of Alvin white engraved guns. I don't recall seeing many RJS engraved guns with the flutes engraved...

Thanks for sharing,

Thank you very much for the information sir. Was it common to find the drawings for the gun? Yes I will be happy to upload a couple more pictures.

JHW · #13 08-09-2015, 03:49 PM

If you look closely you can see the name

JHW · #14 08-09-2015, 03:54 PM

I also have the original cardboard box that the presentation case shipped in.

Leatherhead23 · #15 08-09-2015, 04:01 PM

Looks like the small hang tag has 'mailed to S&W 12-22-76' hand written on it...

Same date as the purchase date on the cash reciept.

JHW · #16 08-09-2015, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leatherhead23

Looks like the small hang tag has 'mailed to S&W 12-22-76' hand written on it...

Same date as the purchase date on the cash reciept.

Yes that is correct.

JHW · #17 08-09-2015, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKmesa

To me - if you like the engraving, can afford the price and you still like the engraving when you bring it home, it's worth what you paid for it. RJ Smith engraved at Smith for a long time. He engraved a lot of nice pieces, several of which spoke to me and are now in my collection. From a price perspective, I think you did fine. As a point of reference - you would pay significantly more than that if you were to commission that piece today - and that is just for the engraving...

I like the gun but I would love to see some closer ups of the animal scenes if you get a chance. Nickel engraved guns are tough to photograph and get the engraving to "pop". BTW - the engraving in the cylinder flutes is reminiscent of Alvin white engraved guns. I don't recall seeing many RJS engraved guns with the flutes engraved...

Thanks for sharing,

Here are the best pictures that I can get.

flundertaker · #18 08-09-2015, 07:12 PM

I think he missed a spot.

jk. very nice indeed.

Doc44 · #19 08-09-2015, 07:41 PM

Drawings would only be done if the engraving was special ordered (like that on your 29-2) and they rarely accompany the revolver. The drawing and receipt all add to the provenance of your 29-2 and make it all the more interesting. Great gun to have in your collection!!!!!!!!!! I would consider it a custom engraved revolver.

Bill

BC38 · #20 08-09-2015, 07:48 PM

Engraving isn't my thing, but for someone who is into it that is one heck of a piece and one very complete package.
Whether you're into it or not the artistry is certainly amazing.

JHW · #21 08-10-2015, 12:18 AM

Thanks very much guys for information! Engraved guns are not really the focus of my collection but I liked all the documentation with this one. Thanks again and anyone with anymore info please feel free to share

chisels · #22 08-19-2015, 08:40 PM

The artwork was done my me and Russ and myself did many guns together. This was an early drawing by me of a sample of class A+ scrollwork. Russ instead of drawing a new design used this one and substituted the animal motifs. I have many drawings from Russ's collection as well as engraved sample sideplates he did.

chisels · #23 06-03-2018, 08:44 AM

I noticed a small mistake that Russ made and I find it rather interesting. Take note of the closeup of the engraved cylinder, some of the leaves in the flute were not shaded. This engraved gun is extremely rare and in my opinion as an engraver it is priceless, I would love to own this myself just because of the collaboration between Russ and myself.