Engraved Model 649 1st Issue

[Dino44]

This revolver was supposed to be sold to Richard, (RKmesa) but for some reason the FFL or original consignor decided to only sell it locally. At the time, I didn't have the funds to buy it, because I had just purchased my first engraved gun. A 640 centennial. Luckily, and now several weeks later. It was still available, and I managed to raise the funds to buy it.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on a beautiful addition to the family

I am certain that Richard is sad over the decision of the dealer not to ship it,

These 25 revolvers were beautifully engraved by the factory to commemorate the introduction of the first stainless steel bodyguard revolvers back in 1985

I was extremely fortunate to acquire mine a decade ago.

While my revolver had never been fired since leaving the factory, unfortunately the presentation case had become separated from it about 39 years ago

Either the factory or distributor or the dealer had put some genuine African Elephant Ivory grips on it prior to its first owner purchasing the firearm. They are some of the nicest Ivory I have ever owned. The grips were not recorded in Roy's records so we do not know if they were Factory or not

The one you have just acquired now makes the 4th one that I have ever seen

 

[Dino44]

Thank you, Sir
Your ivory grips are absolutely gorgeous. Mine are said to be ivory as well but pale in comparison. I also see significant difference in the coverage. Yours has much more. Mine has no coverage on the top of the frame along the sight well. None on the barrel lug in front of the ejector rod and only halve coverage on the lower yoke and frame sections. Yours looks much more complete. I am bit disappointed after seeing the differences but still very happy to have acquired it. This one does not appear to have been fired either.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Very nice. Congratulations.

Did yours come with the certificate saying it's 1 of the first 25?

Thanks for sharing it with us.

I wouldn't be disappointed in the engraving variation between yours
and colt's. Proves they were hand done and didn't come out of a
cookie press.

 

[leonardocarrillo]

Beautiful weapon, congratulations and thanks for sharing it.
Don't worry, Richard will get over it.

 

[squirrelnest]

Congrats.....beautiful revolver & nice engraving.

 

[Dino44]

Very nice. Congratulations.

Did yours come with the certificate saying it's 1 of the first 25?

Thanks for sharing it with us.

I wouldn't be disappointed in the engraving variation between yours
and colt's. Proves they were hand done and didn't come out of a
cookie press.

Thank you, Sir

No additional paperwork was included in the sale. I will order a letter for it and see if a copy of a certificate may be available.

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice 649's !
As a side note S&W also made a run of 100 649 models with a very simple 1 of first 100 sideplate engraving.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

... S&W also made a run of 100 649 models with a very simple 1 of first 100 sideplate engraving.

The engraved ones, like the OP's and colt's, have AFN serials. The
1 of 100 group have AHT numbers and shipped a wee bit later.

 

[colt_saa]

Very nice. Congratulations.

I wouldn't be disappointed in the engraving variation between yours
and colt's. Proves they were hand done and didn't come out of a
cookie press.

I Totally agree. Just like the Deluxe Texas Rangers, they all are a bit different.

Did yours come with the certificate saying it's 1 of the first 25?

Certificate? Of the four I have seen offered for sale, I never saw a certificate. Can you elaborate?

 

[Bill In Texas]

Very nice indeed! Congratulations!

 

[ImDrRich]

Sir, you have one beautiful 649 there! I would be happy to own that piece! Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Certificate? Of the four I have seen offered for sale, I never saw a certificate. Can you elaborate?

I didn't document what the certificate looks like. Back in 2020 I saw
one for sale on the Internet. It had the certificate saying it was 1 of
25.

Wish I had saved a photo of the certificate. c’est la vie

 

[Engine49guy]

The engraved ones, like the OP's and colt's, have AFN serials. The
1 of 100 group have AHT numbers and shipped a wee bit later.

Just checked,
AHT serial prefix, shipped October 1985,
Has wood presentation case measuring 9" x 7.25" with a plain brass latch that is different.
Baby blue velvet lined inside top and bottom of inside, has cutout for 649 facing right, no markings on box, no engraved plate on lid.

 

[RKmesa]

Congratulations Dino!!! Glad you were able to bring that one home. Very nice addition to your collection.

 

[Dino44]

Requested and received LOA today. Here are copies from the packet.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Very cool.

Thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year.

 

[colt_saa]

Great letter Dino

Roy had no record of what grips shipped on my revolver so it's wonderful to see yours being listed as Ivory

That settles my curiosity as to where my Ivory grips came from

 

[Buford57]

I have always considered the Bodyguards homely, although I sometimes carry a M38. .These engraved 649s however are drop dead gorgeous. Thanks for posting the whole letter. I remember some of the Troops I worked with as a local cop in the 70s carrying the guns with the stainless cylinders in their uniform jacket pockets.

 

[Dino44]

colt_ssa, Thank you Sir. I am glad for both of us. Finding the origin of the ivory grips was my primary motivation in regard to the letter request, since a couple have been observed with wood grips. It's also nice to confirm, the historical and quantitative information, associated with the model 649 1st issue.