I’ve got a line on a 29-1 and wanted a little insight on current value. I don’t have photos just the description from a friend. It’s a nickel gun with a 8 3/8 barrel, nickel is 95%, original coke grips that “ are a little rough” not exactly sure what that means. What would you think the value range would be on this gun with the info given.

Thanks in advance and if I end up buying it next week I’ll post some pics

I'll let someone with more knowledge about these give a better answer but I'd say big $$$ if factory correct and in good condition.

Last one I saw for sale was allegedly NIB (and looked it) also nickel; with presentation box with original shipping package. As I remember, he was asking $8600 at a gun show last fall. Without pictures, but "95% with cokes that are a little rough" and no box/papers I'd make a SWAG at around $2k. Not like we see them every day. Looking "95% and the cokes a little rough" I guess I'd want to be sure the nickel was original from the factory and if the nickel looks relatively better than the condition of the stocks I'd wonder about that too. Provide the SN and some pictures and there are folks here who can give you an accurate assessment. Good Luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I won’t be able to get my hands on it until Tuesday, I’ll see if I can post some pictures then. My friend works at the gun shop where this showed up today, he is always very critical of condition so I’m hoping it’s not that bad.

Beware of aftermarket nickel! If not original that changes everything. Model 29-1s are very scarce and go for big money if original. good luck.

You should get in touch with Doc44 ASAP.

__________________
Bob.
SWCA 1821

If original nickel and barrel length in 95% shape, I would say between 3 and 4 grand. Stocks can be replaced.
Ed

I have to agree with Bob...contact Doc44 and get his input. The 29-1 was only made for one year, so its rare. If the nickel is factory, it should be marked with an N on the grip frame underneath the left grip. Doc44 will be able to give you all the other details to check.

__________________
Mike H

I only know of two Model 29-1s with a factory nickel finish, but that is not to say there aren't more out there waiting to be discovered. The two I know of have a 4-inch barrel. The other 29-1s reported by collectors each have a bright blue finish and an old style extractor rod with a right-hand thread. With one or two exceptions, the Model 29-1 was only shipped in 1962.

When you look at the 44, it should have a blue red ramp on a ramp based secured to the barrel with two pins that are not polished flush to the barrel rib. There should be and N on the lower left hand corner of the grip frame and somewhere on the cylinder (possibly under the extractor). The serial number should be in the S227000 to S230000 range or close. If there is an R-N inside of a rectangle stamped on the grip frame, the Magnum has had a change of finish to nickel by S&W. The may be a date stamped on the grip frame (month and year).

If the 29-1 has a factory nickel finish it will be third one known and the first one reported with an 8 3/8-inch barrel.

Bill

Any updates on this?

Bill,
I saved some PDFs of completed RIA auctions and per one record, a 2016 auction was for a Model 29-1 6.5" Nickel Class A Engraved S228928 but it was open on the books and identified as a "memo gun". Hope this is of interest.

Found the link:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...lver-44-magnum

__________________
Beau
SWCA #3106 - SWHF #643

Beau...I remember the 44 Magnum you are referring to and it may, in fact, be a 29-1, but no collector has ever reported it, so we don't know for certain. The serial number is in the correct range and it was shipped to H. H. Harris on April 5, 1963 with Class "B" engraving. Not sure where the information supplied by RIA came from. The 44 Magnum would mos likely have an extractor rod with an old style, right-hand thread and a 3-screw frame.

If a Forum member has it in their collection, it would be great if it could be documented for the rest of us.

Bill