First year model 57

[Model29-26.5]

I picked up a little haul that had been waiting for me since late September.
This first year model 57 was one of them.
The serial number is lower than the first one shipped but this one was shipped in April 1964. Thank you to Doc 44 for the shipping info.
This is my earliest N frame and my first with “Coke bottle” grips.
I doubt I’ll fire this one… but maybe just a cylinder or two..
I got a decent deal on this one, too so I’m a happy camper.

 

[mchom]

Wow. And really nice condition. Those Cokes are just lovely. What a nice add to your collection.

 

[glenncal1]

I would have to shoot that one, at least a little bit. Some of the nicest cokes I have seen. Great score.

 

[Model29-26.5]

It seems to me that so many of these revolvers were bought to be looked after, occasionally shot, but mostly just to own and admire.
This is from 1964 and almost looks like it just left the factory.
Maybe it was taken out for target shooting or hunting a few times?
For those interested, he gave me a really good solid deal at $1350 shipped. With those cokes in that shape, I could not turn that down. Then with the serial number being lower than the first one shipped this end up being a real find for me.
Those cokes are staying put where they belong!!

 

[mmande]

"The serial number is lower than the first one shipped but this one was shipped in April 1964."
FYI;
That is different information than what was discussed in this post;

Post in thread 'First year Model 57-Shipped May 1964'

Apr 20, 2025

That question came up at the Tulsa symposium this year as I was displaying an April, 1964 shipped 57 just like yours. We looked up Bill Cross for an answer. The 57 was announced for sale to the public starting April, 1964. Bill said that a few guns were sent to writers for magazine articles in March.
Bill would also have an answer about the velvet lined boxes if he chimes in.
Mike

• mmande

• 

 

[bananaman]

Congratulations! What a Beautiful Package!!! As old as I am have never shot anything in .41 Magnum! Bob

 

[Model29-26.5]

"The serial number is lower than the first one shipped but this one was shipped in April 1964."
FYI;
That is different information than what was discussed in this post;

Post in thread 'First year Model 57-Shipped May 1964'

Apr 20, 2025

That question came up at the Tulsa symposium this year as I was displaying an April, 1964 shipped 57 just like yours. We looked up Bill Cross for an answer. The 57 was announced for sale to the public starting April, 1964. Bill said that a few guns were sent to writers for magazine articles in March.
Bill would also have an answer about the velvet lined boxes if he chimes in.
Mike

• mmande

• 

So I guess it was shipped in April, but the serial number is lower than the first one known to be shipped. I’m guessing the first shipment was in April.??
I need to get this lettered,

 

[Model29-26.5]

"The serial number is lower than the first one shipped but this one was shipped in April 1964."
FYI;
That is different information than what was discussed in this post;

Post in thread 'First year Model 57-Shipped May 1964'

Apr 20, 2025

That question came up at the Tulsa symposium this year as I was displaying an April, 1964 shipped 57 just like yours. We looked up Bill Cross for an answer. The 57 was announced for sale to the public starting April, 1964. Bill said that a few guns were sent to writers for magazine articles in March.
Bill would also have an answer about the velvet lined boxes if he chimes in.
Mike

• mmande

• 

I checked that post. Thanks for the link. I see some lower serial numbers than mine on first year 57s.
Looks like it was shipped with the first lot in April 1964 though.
I do need to get it lettered for sure.

 

[Hawg Rider]

That's a beauty! Did the presentation case come with the revolver?

 

[Model29-26.5]

That's a beauty! Did the presentation case come with the revolver?

No, but I do have a velvet presentation case that this would fit!
The case I have came with a model 29-2 nickel 6.5”.. I’m not exactly sure it is legit because it is a 6.5.. but the velvet looks right. I think maybe someone adjusted it a little.?

 

[Model29-26.5]

That's a beauty! Did the presentation case come with the revolver?

See the extra 1/2”.
The velvet looks right but I’m not sure.
I heard they only did velvet cases for 57 and it won’t end with a 6.5 barrel that I’m aware of.

 

[Roofuss]

Very nice , congrats !

 

[Truckman]

I see some lower serial numbers than mine on first year 57s.
Looks like it was shipped with the first lot in April 1964 though.
I do need to get it lettered for sure.

S/N sequence has nothing to do with shipping order...Letter that sucker, Richard!......Ben

 

[captstan]

Very nice model 57. I have S237475 lettered, shipped April 14th, 1964. Letter states first month of production.

 

[Model29-26.5]

S/N sequence has nothing to do with shipping order...Letter that sucker, Richard!......Ben

Definitely.
I will start the proceedings shortly

 

[rmax]

I’ve got S237469, shipped to Gart Bros in Denver in April. It was one of six shipped if I remember right, and all six had widely varied serial numbers.

 

[GSP Fan]

I have a 29-2 6.5 inch nickel with the presentation case just like yours Purchased around 1974. Why would you think it isn't legit.
Thats a wonderful M57 congratulations. I have a 4 inch ND that I like quite a bit

 

[Top Strap]

Congratulations! What a Beautiful Package!!! As old as I am have never shot anything in .41 Magnum! Bob

Times a wasting!

 

[Hal H.]

I picked up a little haul that had been waiting for me since late September.
This first year model 57 was one of them.
The serial number is lower than the first one shipped but this one was shipped in April 1964. Thank you to Doc 44 for the shipping info.
This is my earliest N frame and my first with “Coke bottle” grips.
I doubt I’ll fire this one… but maybe just a cylinder or two..
I got a decent deal on this one, too so I’m a happy camper.




View attachment 820915

Beautiful gun. Congratulations.

 

[stumper]

So I guess it was shipped in April, but the serial number is lower than the first one known to be shipped. I’m guessing the first shipment was in April.??
I need to get this lettered,

I have S236924 that shipped April 20, 1964..

 

[Oldengineer]

All you need now is a S serial number 29-2 with Cokes in 99.9% condition! Hint….

Tom H.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

It seems to me that so many of these revolvers were bought to be looked after, occasionally shot, but mostly just to own and admire.
This is from 1964 and almost looks like it just left the factory.

For those interested, he gave me a really good solid deal at $1350 shipped.

People buy a revolver and put it in the sock drawer and it makes them feel safe. That is the story on a lot of mint condition firearms.

Great deal and thank you for sharing.

 

[usedkid]

I have Serial # S237631, 6 inch shipped March 10, 1964 to Freelance writer Col. Jeff Cooper...
One of 22 units of this model sent out to the top handgun writers in the United States to promote its introduction.

 

[kennyb]

Very nice indeed! My fav. caliber. I have a M57 factory stamped as a M29 among my collection.

 

[rrb357mag]

Congratulations on the M57!
I really like the .41 mag. Great shooters. I’m down to 3 from a high of 8 at one time. Two 57 no dash (one nickel) and a 57-1. Merry Christmas!

 

[Model29-26.5]

All you need now is a S serial number 29-2 with Cokes in 99.9% condition! Hint….

Tom H.

Yes I do…

 

[Retired W4]

No one has brought this up yet, so I will. YOU STOLE THAT GUN at $1300. Officer, arrest that man!!

 

[Model29-26.5]

No one has brought this up yet, so I will. YOU STOLE THAT GUN at $1300. Officer, arrest that man!

Ha.
It feels like I did.
It makes up for all the ones where I probably overpaid. Lol.
I bought a couple of 27s from him so he did me a decent deal on this one and a 586.
I am slowing way down for a while, though.
I need to budget myself…

 

[Retired W4]

Sometimes things just seem to balance out. That 57 is a real sweetheart. I have several 57's but they are all N prefix guns. I'm always looking for that early one, with cokes. Congrats on that one.