Model 29-S200000/HH Harris

[Mac123]

Hi gents/ladies,
I sent in a request for a letter from Mr.Jinks for my Model 29 no dash 8 3/8 ser# S200000, just received it tonight. It has an interesting history, shipped to HH Harris on 11/4/59. It has the serial number stamped on the cylinder, yoke, like usual but I found it odd to see it stamped inside the ejector shroud too. It appears that this gun was selected from the factory for Mr. Herb Harris, owner HH Harris who collected S&W revolvers with all serial zero numbers. Apparently he displayed them in the Las Vegas Gun Show in 1968 as detailed in the letter. I'm curious to see what other serial number zero models were in that collection. Anyone have any leads on how to access more info on HH Harris and his collection? I already did a search, I know HH was a huge distributor in Chicago, responsible for the 5 and 5 1/2 in barrel length 29s and I think the pintos too. I have read they were big into the special orders for police departments and other configurations. In any case, I'm happily surprised to hear it has a unique history, makes a nice addition to the collection

 

[rct269]

Herbie Harris was, as you note, a S&W distributor----and also maintained a retail store (State St.). He could be counted on to have an extensive inventory of weird guns-----also known as "unique" in more genteel company------odd ball barrel lengths, Pintos (as noted), and engraved guns----at ALL times---almost all of which would be fitted with presentation grips (no checkering). I think, but don't know for certain, he was primarily responsible for the several series of Chief Special Targets, and the way he told it, completely responsible for pre-war/post war .32 Regulation Police Target models (the 196 assembled in the mid/late 50's). I recall a phone call from him on these guns----went along these lines: "You call yourself a collector of S&W target guns---I have one you have to have!" My new bride and I drove 600 miles out of way on our honeymoon to pick it up----her first REAL introduction to lunatic fringe gun collectors.

Herbie was my primary source for S&W target gun collection #1---target guns defined as anything with target sights on it. I came to my senses in the early 90's, changed the definition, sold damn near everything, and started over----this time with real target guns. Every now and again I wish I still had some of those odd-balls----not often, but every once in a while.

Ralph Tremaine

As a complete aside, the serial number on the barrel of any model with a numbered barrel and an ejector rod shroud will be found right where you found yours.

 

[DWalt]

I have numerous M29s on my list having SNs within several hundreds of yours, all of which shipped during the late 1959-early 1960 period. So that date is right in sequence.

 

[Art Doc]

I have S 199543 and it shipped 6 months later.

 

[Mac123]

I have S 199543 and it shipped 6 months later.

You both are correct. The time frame fits within a 29 no dash, however, the zero serial number 29 shipped to HH Harris early, it was selected specifically from S&W for his collection of zero serial number S&W revolvers. I'd love to know what other models S&W did this for Mr. Harris. I know he's known for oddball guns, like the 5in 29s, not to mention the 1 of 13 5.5 barrel guns that just sold for big bucks at Rock island auction. I think it's cool that he ordered in the "oddball" guns to mix it up.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

"...but I found it odd to see it stamped inside the ejector shroud too."

Barrels were numbered to the frame to keep parts together during assembly, as were the other parts that you mentioned.

 

[1blindref]

I've got # S200135 which shipped in February 1961