29-2?

[SP45]

Friend just sent a photo of a gun he is considering purchasing. It's a 29-2, 4" barrel, "S" prefix serial number, in the presentation box with tools and smooth presentation target grips. The gun has been slightly used and from what I can tell from one photo it is about 98%. He says that the presentation grips are in coke bottle configuration. I have never seen smooth grips like these so the question is, did they make them? Secondly, when were the smooth presentation grips first offered. I remember buying them in the late 70s and early 80s. I put a retail value on this piece from $1,500.00 to 2K in the above described condition. I know people try to get a lot more but for a standard 29-2 I think 2K is about max (IMO).

 

[lamarw]

I paid twelve hundred for my 29-2 with a 4" barrel and factory nickel finish last year. The one significant difference is mine has a N prefix serial number. In December 2018, I paid fifteen hundred for an unfired 29 (no dash) with coke stocks and a perfect presentation box.

Values, prior to the virus, seemed to of been moving upward on nice N frames since I purchased some of mine.

I think your estimate is reasonable. I can't help with your other questions. Even if the stocks are not original to the revolver, they should be of significant value. The same goes for the presentation box if it is as nice as the revolver.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I just saw an "S" 29-2 on Guns Internat. for 2K. Even the 3rd gens are normally around $ 1500 on that site

 

[Harkrader]

GAAAHK! "2K"???
I'm afraid to see what my S-number 29-no dash would go for.

 

[Fishinfool]

Were non-checkered cokes ever offered? Maybe on factory engraved guns, but I don't recall seeing any. Guns sounds nice, and I would guess in the $1500 ball park, though might be more if those are real factory cokes. Hard to say $$ it would bring with the virus causing so much financial distress.

Larry

 

[weatherby]

Were the stocks unrelieved?
I've seen Coke profile unrelieved smooth ones.

 

[Doc44]

Some smooth stocks have a slight palm swell and are called coke bottle stocks by some collectors, but true coke bottle stocks are have a larger area of checkering. So, the answer to your question is no. Smooth target stocks were offered as early as 1952. The relieved area on the left stock panel of smooth target stocks appeared in sometime in 1958.

The value of a Model 29-2 depends on how old it is and if the presentation case is correct. Most Model 29-2s with a S prefix serial number shipped in what is referred to as a clamshell case (Styrofoam top and bottom molded in the shape of the revolver and its accessories). I doubt if the smooth stocks are original to the gun as I only seen one or two shipped that way unless they were factory inscribed or engraved.

Photos would help establish a value.

Bill

 

[rubiranch]

I put a retail value on this piece from $1,500.00 to 2K in the above described condition. I know people try to get a lot more but for a standard 29-2 I think 2K is about max (IMO).

I think your right on the money.



My M29-2 was shipped Jan 14, 1964. S230291.
Its not for sale. Not sure what it would take for me to part with it but I know it would be way more than $2000.

I have a tendency to want more for the guns that I have decided to keep than they're worth on the market.

I sold about 1/2 my guns over the last year. Kept the ones I liked and not necessarily the most valuable.

 

[jake1945]

My 29-2 nickel plated 44 mag came with smooth grips. I changed them out for Altamont target grips for better looks. I still have the smooth grips.

 

[M29since14]

Great looking 29-2, Kenny. I probably wouldn't sell it for $2000 either, if I owned it.

 

[M29since14]

Great looking 29-2, Kenny. I probably wouldn't sell it for $2000 either, if I owned it.

 

[rubiranch]

Great looking 29-2, Kenny. I probably wouldn't sell it for $2000 either, if I owned it.

Thank you. Its my only .44 Magnum. I'm keeping it.

 

[SP45]

Were the stocks unrelieved?
I've seen Coke profile unrelieved smooth ones.

Yes they were not relieved

 

[SP45]

Yes they are not relieved

 

[Doc44]

Since the smooth stocks are not relieved, they are highly desirable, but date from the early to mid-1950s. Quite a bit before the 29-2 was made. The stocks are probably similar to those shown below made of rosewood. The other type of wood usually seen is Goncalo alves.

Bill

 

[Fast Oleman]

Have a 4" and 8-3/8" bought new wouldn't take anything for them

 

[S.B.]

I just saw an "S" 29-2 on Guns Internat. for 2K. Even the 3rd gens are normally around $ 1500 on that site

What was the selling price? Asking is one thing selling price is another,
Steve

 

[weatherby]

Did your friend get the gun ?
Id love to see some pictures...….mainly the stocks

 

[S.B.]

I think your right on the money.



My M29-2 was shipped Jan 14, 1964. S230291.
Its not for sale. Not sure what it would take for me to part with it but I know it would be way more than $2000.

I have a tendency to want more for the guns that I have decided to keep than they're worth on the market.

I sold about 1/2 my guns over the last year. Kept the ones I liked and not necessarily the most valuable.

That's an interesting case in the photo in your post with fitted(my term) top. I don't think I've ever ran accross one like this before? Most I've seen just had a frocked covered piece of foam.
Steve

 

[Doc44]

Steve...the presentation case with a Styrofoam top and bottom molded in the shape of the revolver and its accessories was introduced in the spring of 1960 and was used through 1968. It is referred to by collectors as a "clamshell" case.

Bill