First Consecutive Pair of 44 Magnums

[Doc44]

For a fee of $5.00 per gun, S&W would manufacture and ship consecutive pairs of firearms. This pair, with serial numbers S166292 (top photo) and S166293, were shipped to Camfour, Inc., Springfield, MA on July 12, 1956. This is the first consecutive set of 44 Magnums shipped by S&W. Both Magnums remain in near new condition, with virtually no blue loss and only the slightest of turn rings. The coke bottle stocks are perfect.

Bill

 

[JRB416]

I need a time machine! (To take advantage of the $5.00 offer)

 

[JRB416]

Doc those are beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful photos and knowledge you have shared with us on this forum and in your books.

Here is one shipped on July 2, 1956 in fantastic condition like yours with no blue loss and an almost imperceptible turn line.

 

[Photog]

Doc44, I have a question for you. Many, many years ago, George Wimer offered a set of three consecutively numbered M29's. I don't remember their vintage, but I think they were pre-dash. Just out of curiosity, do you know about these and were there any more instances of consecutive numbered M29's that consisted of 3 or more guns? Thanks in advance.

 

[Doc44]

I don't remember the three you posted about, but on January 28, 1959, S&W shipped four Model 29s with an 8 3/8-inch barrel with consecutive serial numbers, namely, S184730, S184731, S184732, and S184733. Each was custom engraved (beyond Class-A). S184730 and S184732 were finished in bright blue and S184731 and S184733 were finished in nickel. The Model 29s were shipped to Rex Firearms in New York. I hope these four Model 29s were kept together, but they have not been reported by collectors or offered for sale at auction. This set would be an exceptional find for any S&W collector.

Bill

 

[dobegrant]

That is an incredible pair of revolvers, thanks for sharing.

 

[Masterpiece]

For a fee of $5.00 per gun, S&W would manufacture and ship consecutive pairs of firearms. This pair, with serial numbers S166292 (top photo) and S166293, were shipped to Camfour, Inc., Springfield, MA on July 12, 1956. This is the first consecutive set of 44 Magnums shipped by S&W. Both Magnums remain in near new condition, with virtually no blue loss and only the slightest of turn rings. The coke bottle stocks are perfect.

Bill

View attachment 775298View attachment 775299

Bill,

Just a suggestion...But for the guys who haven't seen it...You ought to post a Photo of the Pair in that "Fantastic" Marvin Huey Pres. Case you had made for them...Really sets the Pair off!!

 

[weatherby]

Was camfour in springfield at that time ?
I'm very local to S&W and camfour at least now is in westfield.
Great pair regardless

 

[Photog]

I don't remember the three you posted about, but on January 28, 1959, S&W shipped four Model 29s with an 8 3/8-inch barrel with consecutive serial numbers, namely, S184730, S184731, S184732, and S184733. Each was custom engraved (beyond Class-A). S184730 and S184732 were finished in bright blue and S184731 and S184733 were finished in nickel. The Model 29s were shipped to Rex Firearms in New York. I hope these four Model 29s were kept together, but they have not been reported by collectors or offered for sale at auction. This set would be an exceptional find for any S&W collector.

Bill

Thank you for the quick and informative answer. Much appreciated.

 

[AlHunt]

Fantastic pair. But, even if they were gifted to me, I just wouldn't want to be responsible for such an interesting set of revolvers. Plus, I really couldn't shoot them!

Am I alone in feeling that way?

I'm glad there are people out there curating such things.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Doc44]

The invoice reads...Camfour, Inc., 837 State Street, Springfield, Mass,

Bill

 

[Tracksidewrong]

Unbelievably beautiful pair of revolvers.

Not going to lie, I'm a bit jealous, but I could never afford something like that and I would just have to shoot at least one of them! And that would probably be a travesty.

 

[Mauser 17]

Doc44,

Thank you so very much for continuing to help us learn more about our favorite 44’s! It was a pleasure getting the opportunity to me with you and talk about 29’s at this years Symposium, an experience for me that simply can not be forgotten.

Below are my prized 29-2’s consecutively numbered 5” H.H. Harris children. Glad to be in such reputable company!

What are the thoughts on how many consecutive sets were manufactured?

It would appear that people who originally purchased consecutive sets were certainly collector minded. It seems logical that collector guns would have a much greater chance of “surviving the generations” due to their special configuration.

Therefore is the percentage of consecutively numbered 29’s most likely still together?

 

[Doc44]

Great pair of 29-2s!!! and with a nickel finish to boot. A very rare set. I have looked through the invoices, but not specifically for consecutive pairs. You find an invoice with a pair on it from time to time, but that is unusual. I would classify consecutive pairs as rare.

Bill

 

[A10]

Doc44,

Thank you so very much for continuing to help us learn more about our favorite 44’s! It was a pleasure getting the opportunity to me with you and talk about 29’s at this years Symposium, an experience for me that simply can not be forgotten.

Below are my prized 29-2’s consecutively numbered 5” H.H. Harris children. Glad to be in such reputable company!

What are the thoughts on how many consecutive sets were manufactured?

It would appear that people who originally purchased consecutive sets were certainly collector minded. It seems logical that collector guns would have a much greater chance of “surviving the generations” due to their special configuration.

Therefore is the percentage of consecutively numbered 29’s most likely still together?

5" Nickel .44s? Wow! I'd have to have a fancy double gun rig built for them. And, being the heretic I am, I'd be shooting those two!

What a fantastic find!

 

[Mauser 17]

5" Nickel .44s? Wow! I'd have to have a fancy double gun rig built for them. And, being the heretic I am, I'd be shooting those two!

What a fantastic find!

I’ve considered a nice double rig as a BBQ set of pistols. Know of anywhere I should look for such a thing?

 

[A10]

I’ve considered a nice double rig as a BBQ set of pistols. Know of anywhere I should look for such a thing?

Mike Barranti or Simply Rugged Holsters are my go to. Rob Leahy at Simply Rugged has a buddy named Richard Gittlein who does amazing carving work.