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Happy Birthday N3

29-1

29-1

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I've posted this early N series 29-2 several times over the years and every year when March rolls around I like to show it off again. It is certainly something of an inigma serial number-wise and a little infamous as well. Happy 41st birthday to N 3, a somewhat infamous 44 Magnum shipped in 1971 to American Arms Warehouse which was run by Dick Marble. According to the letter, Mr. Marble had an inside connection at S&W enabling him to get guns with personalized serial numbers. N3 is one of them. N1 and N2 are both Model 28s as N3 should have been. Note the uncommon Model stamping obviously stamped after the fact when the frame was pulled from the line. Nonetheless, it letters as a 29-2 which makes it the first 44 Magnum in the N serial number sequence though there were others that may predate it shipment-wise.
Enjoy
Chuck:)
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There is something about blue steel, wood and tradition that polymer will never replace esthetically.
 
That gun is incredible. I wonder how the history became general knowledge. I would think that a personal contact like that would be very secretive. I wouldn't mind having an inside connection like that.:)
 
That's a beautiful and unique revolver.Knowing a little of the history of that gun,I'm pleased to see that vrichard posted a "like" in this thread. Makes him a good sport in my book! :)
f.t.
 
Very cool Pistol indeed. Would be nice to have a contact "inside".
If for no other reason than to get personalized serial numbered
guns. That's a keeper for sure. BTW is it unfired or has the weapon
seen some range action? I know probably silly question.


chuck
 
good looking gun no doubt, do you know any of it's history between March 1971 and the time you came to own it ?

I would suspect if Dick Marble wanted an early N #'d M29 bad enough to use an inside factory connection he must have had someone special in mind or lined up for it.
 
Ga Johnny said:
good looking gun no doubt, do you know any of it's history between March 1971 and the time you came to own it ?

I would suspect if Dick Marble wanted an early N #'d M29 bad enough to use an inside factory connection he must have had someone special in mind or lined up for it.
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Actually, I believe it stayed with Marble up until he moved from Mass to Colorado and N3 and 4 other models also stamped with a serial number 3 were sold to a dealer in that state. I came to the gun by way of one of our forum members a few years ago.Thank you Tom!
Chuck
 
Very nice,indeed,you probably have more money in your
factory letters,then I do in guns and ammo!:D Pete in CA
 
GM4spd said:
Very nice,indeed,you probably have more money in your
factory letters,then I do in guns and ammo!:D Pete in CA
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GM4S You might be correct. I know I have over a hundred or so. But, I always believed a letter adds at least $50.00 to the value of a gun and maybe more if the letter uncovers something special about the gun or original owner.
Chuck
 
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