M29 ID Help Please!

[Matt Hooper]

Hi All

I am posting this for a friend whose dad just passed. This M29 was in his collection and he is looking to find out more about it.
Can someone give me the year and an approximate value please?
Serial #425610 Model # 29-2

Hard to tell from the cell pic but it's factory engraved and in very good shape.

Much appreciated!!

 

[bamabiker]

The serial number should have a letter in front of the numbers. Probably a N, maybe S.
You need to take the grips off and look on the bottom of the grip frame to see the real serial number.

 

[Doc44]

Probably Class C-engraved and shipped in 1978. I would like to see a photo of the side plate in order to estimate value.

Bill

 

[RKmesa]

I agree with Bill. We need to have some better photos. Engraved guns are valued by the quality and coverage of engraving. Even cell phone pics can be good if they are taken outside with decent light...

 

[Matt Hooper]

The serial number should have a letter in front of the numbers. Probably a N, maybe S.
You need to take the grips off and look on the bottom of the grip frame to see the real serial number.

It is an N designation

 

[Doc44]

Matt...the 29-2 most likely dates to early 1978. S&W was contracting engraving to a firm in Italy at this time as well as having their staff engravers work on firearms. The value of the 29-2 depends on whether the engraving was done on contract or in-house. A good photo of the side plate will allow us to determine the source of the engraving.

Bill

 

[Matt Hooper]

Here are some photos. Hope this helps.

 

[Doc44]

The 29-2 was engraved by a staff factory engraver at S&W and not contract engraved so that would make the Magnum worth more. It looks like C-coverage to me, but it may be B-coverage. The engraving may be the work of Paul Piquette, who was on the staff of S&W at this time, but that is just an educated guess. I would estimate the value of the 29-2 at around $2750.

A factory letter confirming the engraving and shipping date would be of value to your friend.

Bill

 

[Matt Hooper]

Thanks Bill!

 

[chisels]

Early Piquette Engraved Class C

While looking on the forum I discovered this early gem of mine. It is Class C and if you can find when it was done that would at least date it. I can tell you it is one that I engraved and honestly it was the sideplate that convinced me of that fact. Hope that helps you.

 

[merl67]

Well how neat is that, the engraver finds one they have done on here!