Model 29-2

[Daddo]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am new to the forum. I know this topic has been covered with some intensity, however, I'm in the process of purchasing a model 29–2 in nickel. Barrel is pinned and the cylinder is recessed. The revolver is 100% original and has the original box with the label and all original box goodies. All numbers match up. It is not being sold with a wooden presentation case, but rather, the original blue cardboard box. The seller said it's been in their family since 1980 (and I understand they are the original owners) but they did not indicate if that was the year of production. I don't think they really know. I was told it has a 6.5 inch barrel but the original box says 6. (I have not seen the revolver in person yet, just pictures). The serial number prefix starts with N699***. I understand that the 6.5 inch barrel was discontinued in 1979 but I am not sure what month in 1979 this actually started.

As you can see, some of this information seems conflicting...

Can anyone tell me what year this revolver was made? I do not have a Smith and Wesson catalog that people refer to for info like this. I was hoping that someone on this forum with old-school knowledge (and maybe that catalog) could help me. I probably should have a Smith catalog, but need to know the year of production before I go forward with this purchase.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

 

[Laketime]

That would be 1980.Most would prefer a 6.5 over the 6 inch. But those 6 inch version are starting to sell for some crazy prices. Two weeks ago a blued version in pristine used condition sold on GB for $2975.

 

[Ruger 13]

What are they asking for it?

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!

Sound to me like the box and label were added and not original. 29-2's shipped with a presentation case. I've never seen one in a pasteboard box with an end label attached. Earlier 29-2's shipped inside the presentation case, which was protected with a fitted outer corrugated box. The label was on the outer box. The outer boxes were often thrown away.

Later 29-2's were shipped in a large corrugated box with the label on the outside. It contained a non-labeled pasteboard box containing the gun, a wrapped presentation case that was on the bottom and an inner spacer, which kept the gun box from moving around. This offered protection for the fragile presentation case inserts during shipping. Most of this outer packaging didn't survive either.

Guns in high condition, with the case, are bring big money these days. Those that still have the outer packaging will command a premium. I'd value a 29-2 in a labeled blue or silver box the same as I'd value just the gun.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am new to the forum. I know this topic has been covered with some intensity, however, I'm in the process of purchasing a model 29–2 in nickel. Barrel is pinned and the cylinder is recessed. The serial number prefix starts with N699***. I understand that the 6.5 inch barrel was discontinued in 1979 but I am not sure what month in 1979 this actually started.

Can anyone tell me what year this revolver was made? I do not have a Smith and Wesson catalog that people refer to for info like this. I was hoping that someone on this forum with old-school knowledge (and maybe that catalog) could help me. I probably should have a Smith catalog, but need to know the year of production before I go forward with this purchase.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I have a M29-2, also nickel plated with a 6" barrel, SN is N6628xx, fairly close to and a bit earlier than yours. Mine is a commemorative piece, and I had it lettered, which stated it was delivered to the wholesaler in July of 1979. The information I've been able to find says that some of the revolvers in this commemorative series (1080 total numbers) have 6-1/2" barrels, and that S&W used the remaining inventory of 6-1/2" barrels when making this series. I would expect that to mean the 6-1/2" was discontinued early in 1979, and my delivery date should be similar to your revolver, I expect yours might be toward the end of 1979 or maybe even into 1980.

The SCSW 4th Ed. (2016) says "premium for nickel", but doesn't say how much in percent. It also mentions "6-1/2" barrel may bring 10% premium, even though 6" is more scarce".

A three screw M29-2 ANIB was valued at $1200 in 2016, Exc condition was $950; both those values do not consider the nickel plating. My commemorative came ANIB in its presentation case, in unfired condition as best I could tell (no telltale burn rings on the cylinder front), I gave $1300 for it three years ago.

 

[22hipower]

Welcome to the Forum. This one is N454155, a 6.5 inch, and probably from 1977. While the Standard Catalog says the 6 inch is less common I see fewer of the 6.5s . . .and not many of either these days. Probably doesn't make much difference in value whichever length it turns out to be. I too suspect the box is not correct. This info is a bit old now in this rapidly changing market but I paid $1000 for this one(no box) about a year ago. I doubt that I'd find too many these days for less than $1500. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2ne52BQ https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29-2 you are considering should have a 6-inch barrel and dates to late 1979 or early 1980. I would tend to favor late 1979. It was shipped with a mahogany presentation case, with the revolver packed in a plain blue box that was unmarked. These boxes were packaged in a larger cardboard box that has a sticker on the end with the description and serial number information.

Bill

 

[Hair Trigger]

Welcome to the Forum. This one is N454155, a 6.5 inch, and probably from 1977. I paid $1000 for this one(no box) about a year ago. I doubt that I'd find too many these days for less than $1500. Good luck.

Wow, you got a steal of a price, and I agree that you'd be unlikely to see more than a few of these come up, and certainly for more than you paid.

I was doing landscape work a couple of years ago and the customer was selling off her late husband's guns and stuff, a garage full of ammo, reloading supplies, and a bunch of long guns. She also had a 6-1/2" M29-2 from about the same time period as yours, but refused to part with it, even after I offered her $1500 for it. She said her husband bought it right after they were married and it had too much sentimental value. It needed just a little polishing to look brand new, it was in perfect condition. I got a picture of it, but that was all I got. (I should have bought the Browning A5 Lightweight 12 ga. she had for $400, to assuage my grief from not getting the M29-2)

 

[Daddo]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. Something else I wanted to add with respect to the label that's on the plain blue box… There's an entry on the label for something that says "Special Features". Inside that area of the sticker is "G410" and was stamped with a red ink stamp, not hand written. Anybody have any idea what that means?

Also, this label and this box are very old. All the information on the old yellowed label coincides with the gun.

Lastly, I am in California. Prices are much higher out here than what some guys would pay around the country but I still felt it was fair based on average market sales nationwide. I bought it, it is beautiful and the seller was a super cool and friendly guy. I feel fortunate that it is a bit different than most 29s out there and an awesome piece of history.

Thanks again to anyone who can help and thanks to everyone who has commented so far. Your help is much appreciated.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I was fortunate to find this minty 6" nickel Model 29-2 (s/n N771902, ca. 1980) at a local gun show a few years ago. I paid a little over $900 for just the revolver. Once I got home and removed the stocks, I was disappointed because I discovered that the 29-2 had gone back to S&W for a factory re-nickel in 1989 (grip frame stamp "RN 1/89"). However, S&W did an outstanding job with the refinish, and I don't really think it hurts the value too much...it's probably worth at least double what I paid. I'm still happy to have this Model 29-2 in my stable!

 

[M29since14]

…I'm still happy to have this Model 29-2 in my stable!

I would be, too! That's a beautiful revolver! Wouldn't give the factory refinish a second thought.

 

[22hipower]

and I don't really think it hurts the value too much...

Agree, some will say any refinish reduces value by 50%, others will say a S&W factory refinish reduces it by 25%. Certainly there is a reduction in value compared to the same gun in original finish but I'll pay nearly as much for factory refinish as original if it is still in excellent condition. Here's a 48 no dash which went back to the mothership for a refinish in 1969. It was for sale with three other original finish later dash number 48s at the same price as the original finish guns; I bought this one.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2nehfcA https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[EricR]

Welcome aboard!

Sound to me like the box and label were added and not original. 29-2's shipped with a presentation case. I've never seen one in a pasteboard box with an end label attached. Earlier 29-2's shipped inside the presentation case, which was protected with a fitted outer corrugated box. The label was on the outer box. The outer boxes were often thrown away.

Later 29-2's were shipped in a large corrugated box with the label on the outside. It contained a non-labeled pasteboard box containing the gun, a wrapped presentation case that was on the bottom and an inner spacer, which kept the gun box from moving around. This offered protection for the fragile presentation case inserts during shipping. Most of this outer packaging didn't survive either.

Guns in high condition, with the case, are bring big money these days. Those that still have the outer packaging will command a premium. I'd value a 29-2 in a labeled blue or silver box the same as I'd value just the gun.

Here is the packaging as described by Chad. This being a 1980 model and I am the original owner. What you see is all original with exception of lining of presentation case. I relined it with the guidance of a forum member.

 

[BSSHOOTER25]

I have a 29-2 presentation box that I can let go of. I have been helping my aunt sell my late uncles collection and sold the gun and later found the box. I am very new to this forum and don't quite understand how to get around on it so if you or anyone else is interested please let me know via message.