Hi y'all, brand new to this forum so bear with me. I've had a 29-2 8 3/8 for many years and have only shot it a few times. I'd sure like to know more about it! Sn# is N130084. (My crude research is saying 1973 vintage(?)
It's in a wood case and I have all the tools, papers, and do have the cardboard shipping box.
Is my vintage correct and what might this be valued at? (my insurance folks would like to know)

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N prefix serial numbers for N frame revolvers were assigned in batches to various N frame models. They were not necessarily assembled in serial order. In your case, 1973 is a pretty good guess, but it could be anywhere from 1972 to early 1975. The ranges provided in the Standard Catalog are estimates only, not firm dates. To date your gun closer would require a letter from the S&W Historical Foundation. But I suspect 1973 is close enough.

With the presentation case, tools and the apparent exceptional condition of this revolver, you are probably looking at a market price of $2,000 easily. At auction, it might go for more. In any case, that would be a reasonable figure to use for insurance purposes. If the barrel were 6 1/2" the value might be a bit higher.

Oh! And welcome to the Forum!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I can give you a little help maybe. I have a model 27-2 (N frame 357) that I bought new in April 1974 and the serial number on it is N168XXX. Since your serial number is lower than mine, I would guess it's born on date to be even earlier than mine. So 1973 is probably a very good guess.

Very nice. I have serial N132xxx. I'm guessing it's a 1973 gun.

Most likely shipped in 1974. I had a 29-2 in the N134000 serial number range that was shipped in June 1974. I would insure it for $2,000. The case is original to the revolver, but the inserts (Styrofoam bottom, soft rubber top) have been recovered with blue cloth. The original covering in this style of case did not hold up well and all of the cases I have seen have been recovered.

Bill

thank you very much for the insights! I'm curious now about the case liner. What color and style of liner would have been original to this case? I bought this back in about 1989 and that was the liner that I received from the original owner.
The gun was unfired when I bought it and being young and dumb (and totally enamored with Harry...) I just had to shoot it. I shot it a few times back then but haven't since. have pondered selling but my heirs will have a litter of puppies if I do! might anyway!

Below is a photo of an original case dating from 1969 to 1974/75. It has its original liner and has never had a revolver placed in it. If a revolver was placed in the case the liner would most likely fall apart.

Bill

hummmmm, now I wonder if I were to look under that liner if this might still be there! ill have to do that tonight! Thanks!