silver armadillo
US Veteran
As I promised to followup and share with the Smith and Wesson Forum , both the general forum and the Historical Society . It has taken me some time to get a light box by Lastolite and working with my camera, the right settings and some frustration , my ups and downs with health issues, I finally have some pictures and the letters from Smith and Wesson , Roy Jinks and Dr. Bill Cross with the historical society to share. I really want to thank Dr. Bill Cross who has shared with me some great stories and so much help with the picture taking trial and errors. Dr Cross , I could not have gotten this out to the forum to share in our forum archives without your help. Which according to you , Dr Bill Cross , have not been properly archived for such a rare weapon. Hopefully now we can post this for others to see and for others to be able to have archived for all those trying to put together a 5 inch Nickel 44 Magnum in 4 screw or 5 screw (if ever produced).
First I have been trying to collect this weapon for over 4 years and it was a difficult nail biting experience . I owe a lot of thanks to the past owner of this piece and his kindness to me to allow me to be the next curator of such a rare Smith and Wesson. By far the most expensive relic or collectable I have ever bought and I have paid over 20,000 dollars for some rare Indian relics over the years. Many of you know me but some do not . I was a very large collector of Indian Relics for over 30 years and much of my collection has been published in many periodicals and such. I have been collecting guns for over 50 years but seriously for the last 6 or 7 . But this piece was the most thrilling piece and at times I thought I would not be able to get it. Not just from the cost of it, but also due to the fact the collector that owned it was not wanting to sell it. Many of you know the roller coaster rides of collecting and can relate to what I am saying.
As some of my mentors on the forum know but others may not, I have been battling Agent Orange and Nuclear Radiation for nearly 20 years and have been deemed Homebound and Aid and Attendance by Veterans Affairs. I was so looking forward to being with all of you at Baton Rouge this year but due to an Ischemic Stroke Event in March it would not allow me to get there. I am battling Stage III Agent Orange Cancer , Permanent Nerve damage , Congestive Heart Failure with Debifulator implant with Ischemic Heart disease ,4 Lung diseases, including Pulmonary Hypertension a rare fatal incurable disease of which I have been on Oxygen for nearly 3 years with Nurses and Providers now attending me. I also have other tumors that I have to monitor monthly. I can only say that Agent Orange , Nuclear Radiation VX, Sarin gas and Mustard gas from the Project 112 days of which I was stationed at a Top Secret testing facility, have caused me some major league Health issues. I just buried my close friend and buddy from the US Army 2 weeks ago who was with me during these test in the early 1970's. His Heart , lung and Cancer tumors just could not be controlled and he passed away from Agent Orange , Nuclear Radiation and the Chemical Weapons that had stricken both of us. I have had so much encouragement from so many people on our Forum and just cannot list everyone because the list of fine folks is just too long, but I just want to say Thank you to so many of you.
The fine collector that had this weapon last , was so gracious allowing me to have it after trying for 4 years. His kindness to me over the years , and my failing health was a key reason he let me purchase this from his collection. Yes , I have taken corrections in my will for my collection and this piece also. With one collector having first right of refusal before this rare Smith and Wesson 5 inch Nickel, 4 screw, will also be available after my passing. I can assure you all that it will be a very expensive collectable as most of you are aware of.
So with all the fun of trying to acquire these relics, which makes our collecting all the fun, so to speak , the thrill of the hunt. I will try to describe what this Rare Smith and Wesson is all about.
With a good description of the Smith and Wesson 44 magnum and its beginning found in the "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 3rd edition by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas and the great article by Mr. Bob Radaker one our great forum collectors on page 161. It is noted that the 44 mag was introduced in 1955 and in 1956 approximately 3100 of them were produced beginning at Serial Number S121835. Offered in 4 inch models and 6 inch models , both blued and nickeled. Julian Hatcher of the NRA , R. H. Coleman of Remington Ammo and Elmer Keith , of many writing tables, receiving the first models starting at Serial number S130927 and after a long consulting agenda with Carl Hellstrom , President of S and W. at the time. Clint Eastwood and his Dirty Harry movies sequels help to propel the "Hand Cannon" , its first early name and appropriately named , to start it popularity rise with the public in 1971 with the Model 29 named in 1957. However before the Model 29 became named , it had an early history known to many as the Pre 29 in Jan of 1956 and on its large "N" frame and 5 screw design , with 4 inch barrels and 6 1/2 inch barrels , with Target Triggers, Target Hammers, Target sights which include Red Ramp insert front site , and rear micrometer click adjustable site. Shroudded half lug barrel, shroudded extractor rod fluted counter bored cylinder and the famous " palm swelled Cokes with diamond escutcheon nut. Early model rear straps were 6 grooved but later included 10 groove style strap. Shipped in Blue or Black pebble-grained leatherette presentation cases with early side button release and then flip up or clasp style latch with blue satin finish interior with Cleaning rod) aluminum) , mop and brush assembly and the SAT (Site Adjustment Tool) made of aluminum knurled handle with 8 and 9 row configurations.
These Pre 29s in 5 screw startups were found to have nearly 6500 of them in serial number about S130,000 to S167,500 or so but up to about S174,500 and about 3100 made in 1956 or so. Serial numbers were found stamped inside the yoke, the rear cylinder, ejector rod, and under the extractor star. Followed by the removal of the 5th screw in about Sept of 1956 and the first 4 screws modification series started out in 1957 beginning with serial number S167500 or so. Some serial numbers starting in S184000 WITHOUT Stamping of model number in the yoke or other parts.
It literally takes a letter from Smith and Wesson and a search by the Historical Society and Dr. Bill Cross who has cataloged most of them.
This is where the 4 screws start to get real interesting and the Nickel Road to a 5 inch barrel becomes literally almost nonexistant . The letter and research from Smith and Wesson , Mr. Roy Jinks and Dr. Bill Cross show that Smith and Wesson , 4 screw model 29, 5 inch Barrel and Factory Nickeled , serial number S 207870 was shipped on August 16, 1961 to Thomson Diggs and Co. , Fresno , Calif. That it was a SINGLE order gun. It came with a 5 inch barrel, Target Trigger , Target Hammer, NICKEL finish, checkered Goncalo Alves Target stocks. The Smith and Wesson letter signed by Mr. Roy Jinks says " This barrel length and in a nickel finish is extremely rare." Further research and letters from Smith and Wesson Roy Jinks and Dr. Bill Cross also says in his letter posted above that it is the only one known to be STAMPED in the yoke Mod-29. Dr. Cross says that he has only seen 3 Nickel 5 inch barreled Model 29"s, in over 40 years, but none that are stamped in the yoke. And that the records show only 240 5 inch barreled 44 magnums were made , but only 15 that were NICKEL and only ONE with the Mod 29 stamped. That is Serial # S207870. I am extremely pleased and humbled to be the curator of this unique one of a kind and only thankful that I have had the opportunity to meet so many fine people that love to collect a part of American History so incredible to our Country. Thank you all once again. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Cross and Mr. Roy Jinks for the help and patience. And hope you enjoy some of the pics. I am still learning that part of putting a piece on the forum for all to enjoy and to be archived for all to see. Blessings, Bill
First I have been trying to collect this weapon for over 4 years and it was a difficult nail biting experience . I owe a lot of thanks to the past owner of this piece and his kindness to me to allow me to be the next curator of such a rare Smith and Wesson. By far the most expensive relic or collectable I have ever bought and I have paid over 20,000 dollars for some rare Indian relics over the years. Many of you know me but some do not . I was a very large collector of Indian Relics for over 30 years and much of my collection has been published in many periodicals and such. I have been collecting guns for over 50 years but seriously for the last 6 or 7 . But this piece was the most thrilling piece and at times I thought I would not be able to get it. Not just from the cost of it, but also due to the fact the collector that owned it was not wanting to sell it. Many of you know the roller coaster rides of collecting and can relate to what I am saying.
As some of my mentors on the forum know but others may not, I have been battling Agent Orange and Nuclear Radiation for nearly 20 years and have been deemed Homebound and Aid and Attendance by Veterans Affairs. I was so looking forward to being with all of you at Baton Rouge this year but due to an Ischemic Stroke Event in March it would not allow me to get there. I am battling Stage III Agent Orange Cancer , Permanent Nerve damage , Congestive Heart Failure with Debifulator implant with Ischemic Heart disease ,4 Lung diseases, including Pulmonary Hypertension a rare fatal incurable disease of which I have been on Oxygen for nearly 3 years with Nurses and Providers now attending me. I also have other tumors that I have to monitor monthly. I can only say that Agent Orange , Nuclear Radiation VX, Sarin gas and Mustard gas from the Project 112 days of which I was stationed at a Top Secret testing facility, have caused me some major league Health issues. I just buried my close friend and buddy from the US Army 2 weeks ago who was with me during these test in the early 1970's. His Heart , lung and Cancer tumors just could not be controlled and he passed away from Agent Orange , Nuclear Radiation and the Chemical Weapons that had stricken both of us. I have had so much encouragement from so many people on our Forum and just cannot list everyone because the list of fine folks is just too long, but I just want to say Thank you to so many of you.
The fine collector that had this weapon last , was so gracious allowing me to have it after trying for 4 years. His kindness to me over the years , and my failing health was a key reason he let me purchase this from his collection. Yes , I have taken corrections in my will for my collection and this piece also. With one collector having first right of refusal before this rare Smith and Wesson 5 inch Nickel, 4 screw, will also be available after my passing. I can assure you all that it will be a very expensive collectable as most of you are aware of.
So with all the fun of trying to acquire these relics, which makes our collecting all the fun, so to speak , the thrill of the hunt. I will try to describe what this Rare Smith and Wesson is all about.
With a good description of the Smith and Wesson 44 magnum and its beginning found in the "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 3rd edition by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas and the great article by Mr. Bob Radaker one our great forum collectors on page 161. It is noted that the 44 mag was introduced in 1955 and in 1956 approximately 3100 of them were produced beginning at Serial Number S121835. Offered in 4 inch models and 6 inch models , both blued and nickeled. Julian Hatcher of the NRA , R. H. Coleman of Remington Ammo and Elmer Keith , of many writing tables, receiving the first models starting at Serial number S130927 and after a long consulting agenda with Carl Hellstrom , President of S and W. at the time. Clint Eastwood and his Dirty Harry movies sequels help to propel the "Hand Cannon" , its first early name and appropriately named , to start it popularity rise with the public in 1971 with the Model 29 named in 1957. However before the Model 29 became named , it had an early history known to many as the Pre 29 in Jan of 1956 and on its large "N" frame and 5 screw design , with 4 inch barrels and 6 1/2 inch barrels , with Target Triggers, Target Hammers, Target sights which include Red Ramp insert front site , and rear micrometer click adjustable site. Shroudded half lug barrel, shroudded extractor rod fluted counter bored cylinder and the famous " palm swelled Cokes with diamond escutcheon nut. Early model rear straps were 6 grooved but later included 10 groove style strap. Shipped in Blue or Black pebble-grained leatherette presentation cases with early side button release and then flip up or clasp style latch with blue satin finish interior with Cleaning rod) aluminum) , mop and brush assembly and the SAT (Site Adjustment Tool) made of aluminum knurled handle with 8 and 9 row configurations.
These Pre 29s in 5 screw startups were found to have nearly 6500 of them in serial number about S130,000 to S167,500 or so but up to about S174,500 and about 3100 made in 1956 or so. Serial numbers were found stamped inside the yoke, the rear cylinder, ejector rod, and under the extractor star. Followed by the removal of the 5th screw in about Sept of 1956 and the first 4 screws modification series started out in 1957 beginning with serial number S167500 or so. Some serial numbers starting in S184000 WITHOUT Stamping of model number in the yoke or other parts.
It literally takes a letter from Smith and Wesson and a search by the Historical Society and Dr. Bill Cross who has cataloged most of them.
This is where the 4 screws start to get real interesting and the Nickel Road to a 5 inch barrel becomes literally almost nonexistant . The letter and research from Smith and Wesson , Mr. Roy Jinks and Dr. Bill Cross show that Smith and Wesson , 4 screw model 29, 5 inch Barrel and Factory Nickeled , serial number S 207870 was shipped on August 16, 1961 to Thomson Diggs and Co. , Fresno , Calif. That it was a SINGLE order gun. It came with a 5 inch barrel, Target Trigger , Target Hammer, NICKEL finish, checkered Goncalo Alves Target stocks. The Smith and Wesson letter signed by Mr. Roy Jinks says " This barrel length and in a nickel finish is extremely rare." Further research and letters from Smith and Wesson Roy Jinks and Dr. Bill Cross also says in his letter posted above that it is the only one known to be STAMPED in the yoke Mod-29. Dr. Cross says that he has only seen 3 Nickel 5 inch barreled Model 29"s, in over 40 years, but none that are stamped in the yoke. And that the records show only 240 5 inch barreled 44 magnums were made , but only 15 that were NICKEL and only ONE with the Mod 29 stamped. That is Serial # S207870. I am extremely pleased and humbled to be the curator of this unique one of a kind and only thankful that I have had the opportunity to meet so many fine people that love to collect a part of American History so incredible to our Country. Thank you all once again. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Cross and Mr. Roy Jinks for the help and patience. And hope you enjoy some of the pics. I am still learning that part of putting a piece on the forum for all to enjoy and to be archived for all to see. Blessings, Bill
Attachments
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Smith and Wesson RARE 5 inch bbl NICKEL Mod 29 4 screw RIGHT SIDE S207870 pic 6.JPG -
Smith and Wesson RARE 5 inch NICKEL 4 screw GREAT BEST OF CRANE STAMP MOD 29 LEFT SIDE S207870.JPG -
Smith and Wesson RARE 5 inch NICKEL Mod 29 4 screw GOOD Front right barrel and cylinder S207870 .JPG -
Smith and Wesson RARE 5 inch Nickel Pre29 4 screw GOOD Left side quarter away S207870 pic 9.JPG -
Smith and Wesson RARE 5 inch bbl NICKEL left side S 207870 pic 2.JPG
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