A close friend of mine has had this in his collection for many year. It is a gorgeous nickel 29-2 with a 5" barrel serial S284XXX. It was passed on to him from a dear friend.

It has a blued front sight with a gold insert, real metal not the color. He was told by the friend that it was done at the factory on a special order.

This is the first early 29-2 that I have encountered with the front sight pins not smoothed and or fitted to the rib/barrel. I was wondering if anyone had encountered a nickel 29 fitted at the factory with a blue front sight and real gold insert? Is this the type of special order that S&W would have done during that era, at the request of a customer?

I can't say on the front sight but very nice 29-2. I got a close brother to it today also a 1967 but mine is regular 6-1/2" blue, also S284 ending in 647 in my case. Mine has diamond checkered targets so if yours is a special order it would make sense that it could have come with the smooth presentation stocks from the factory. I don't know enough about what they did with the front sight options but if original that one would in my view warrant a letter to show the uniqueness and originality. Mine does not have the pins as yours does, mine just has the regular ramped blued sight with red insert.

Earl

It is possible the barrel length and front sight gold ramp are original, but a letter of authenticity is needed to verify both. Revolvers finished in nickel did not have the two pins securing the ramp base polished flush to the barrel rib until late in 1967 or early in 1968. At that time, the ramp and ramp base were also changed from blue to nickel.

The case the revolver is displayed in dates from 1975-1979 and the stocks date to the 1970s. This "suggests" the package was put together after the gun was originally shipped, but as stated above, a letter of authenticity is definitely warranted.

If the barrel length, finish, and gold ramp are original to the 29-2, it would be valued at over $10,000.

Below is a photo of a 44 Magnum shipped in 1958 with a 5-inch barrel and nickel finish. You can see the pins securing the ramp base and red ramp to the barrel. Click on the photo for a closer look.

Bill

Originality question aside, it is a great looking revolver. Thank you for starting a thread on it.

WILDPIG

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I ain't from around here.

Bill thank you for the information. That is a very fine looking example, as are all of yours. I’ve learned to expect noting but the best from your collection. The front sight pins on yours appears true to the appearance of this one.

My friend added the following information about this 29-2. His dear friend was a big follower of Elmer Keith. This friend special ordered the 29-2 in nickel, 5” barrel and real gold sight. After devilvery of the revolver from S&W he went to Idaho and spent some time with Elmer Keith. During this visit Mr. Keith was very welcoming and they both shot this pistol.

This was the story as relayed to my friend and I feel it will be left as that a story.

I was initially suspicious of the pistol due to the front sight pins. After reviewing Bill’s photo and information the front sight looks true.

I have a K frame that I was going to request a letter on so I will take the opportunity to walk him through a request for this 29-2. I will also get more detailed photos.

I hope for my friend that it letters a a 5”, nickel with gold insert. Regardless it is a priceless treasure passed on from good friend to another.

That's absolutely stunning.

Please post on the letter request results. Fingers crossed for your friend.If it letters correctly he has a amazing and valuable 29-2.

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S&WCA #3012

First question, to WHO would it be worth $10K? Just not special enough in my eyes for anything over $1K.

Second, what is the basis for this estimate? Regardless, it still wouldn't change my opinion.

Even if it is super special, the crooked alignment of the front sight pins would make it a lesser example, and therefore valued lesser than a better one. To each their own though. I just don't get caught up in hype.

I did not appear refinished to me but I will get better photos next week.

I will update when letter arrives.

I believe Bill is one of the most knowledgeable and respected members on the early model S&W 44 mag. I’m sure there was more of a thought process put into the possible value besides just looks or utilitarian value. Reguardless of what the letter reveals it’s not for sale nor will it be for sale. Matter of fact it is priceless as It was a gift from one dear friend to another several years ago.