Model 629 no dash high gloss polish value?
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For a collector, original everything is best. But you do you, as the saying goes.
We can argue about what kind of collector wants what but that issue has many variables. Let's just say for some it would be a show stopper, others wouldn't mind at all. I bought a polished 617-1 from an "old guy" (well he was probably older than I) who insisted it was factory "bright stainless" and that he bought it new. I'm pretty sure he misremembered how it became polished but I liked it, bought it, probably paid about the going price at the time for one. If you use them, like them shiny, and aren't keeping it as an "investment" have at it.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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Timbo22
US Veteran
I try and keep my stainless steel revolvers in their factory condition but don't begrudge anyone for modifying their gun to suite their own taste, either by changing the finish, grips, or sights. My 'shooters', however, do seem to get shinier the more I use and clean them.
That said, years ago I bought a used 629-3 Mountain Revolver that the previous owner had polished the factory brushed stainless to a mirror bright finish. The round butt and tapered barrel were unique features for a 629 at that time so that's why I bought it.
The polished finish really didn't bother me and I haven't tried to maintain, it although it is easy to do.
I'm not a die hard collector, but if I were trying to find a certain gun I would want it as close to factory as possible.
That said, years ago I bought a used 629-3 Mountain Revolver that the previous owner had polished the factory brushed stainless to a mirror bright finish. The round butt and tapered barrel were unique features for a 629 at that time so that's why I bought it.
The polished finish really didn't bother me and I haven't tried to maintain, it although it is easy to do.
I'm not a die hard collector, but if I were trying to find a certain gun I would want it as close to factory as possible.
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AudieMurphy
Member
It would wreck it IF it was a collectable piece and not all pieces are collectable...thats a fact jack....
Well, I am talking about the 629 stainless pinned and recessed only made a couple years. No not a holly grail collectible, but I have one that I want to polish to a high gloss. I just don't want to kill the value. I see some high polished revolvers selling very well in other brands/models. Just wondering.
Oldengineer
Member
Polish it and if you don’t like it get the correct scotch brite pad(s) and scratch it up again.
Just FYI…
Gunbroker hammer prices
Two 629 ND… high polished and original in box all bells and whistles:
Just a moment...
Just a moment...
Gunbroker hammer prices
Two 629 ND… high polished and original in box all bells and whistles:
Just a moment...
Just a moment...
I would certainly not polish one that was still NIB or LNIB or even in excellent condition. Now if the box and docs are long gone and it shows signs of use, basically, it's just a shooter grade revolver, then I might consider a little polishing.
lrb1200
Member
Just a perspective
Nobody would ever pass on buying if not polished
Somebody may pass if it is.
Nobody would ever pass on buying if not polished
Somebody may pass if it is.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Wreck is probably too strong a word.
Decrease- lower, something like that.
I have a number of Stainless Smiths including an early 629, None Polished!
Decrease- lower, something like that.
I have a number of Stainless Smiths including an early 629, None Polished!
Photog
Member
As has been said, this is not a highly collectible pistol. I think you should do with it what makes you happy. I prefer the brushed look, but this would not preclude me from buying one if it was polished, as long as it was done well, with no rounded edges, "washing out" of markings, etc.
Rodan
Member
The seller of that polished 629 and one other GB seller consistently have "bright stainless" guns for sale. My guess is they polish guns that come in with cosmetic imperfections, but they do seem to get premium prices for them. I think there are a lot of folks that have no idea that S&W never offered such a finish from the factory...
629 ND
The original box for many 629 ND guns was a presentation case!
This is the shipping carton for many of the 629 ND guns. The gun was in the plain two-piece blue box and the case was wrapped in cellophane. The 6" gun was introduced first and the 4" & 3/8"barrel length was introduced a couple years later. The 629 ND guns that have reached collector status are the ones with an "N" serial prefix. Sometime in 1982-83 the factory went to the "ABC" numbering system.
jcelect
The original box for many 629 ND guns was a presentation case!
This is the shipping carton for many of the 629 ND guns. The gun was in the plain two-piece blue box and the case was wrapped in cellophane. The 6" gun was introduced first and the 4" & 3/8"barrel length was introduced a couple years later. The 629 ND guns that have reached collector status are the ones with an "N" serial prefix. Sometime in 1982-83 the factory went to the "ABC" numbering system.
jcelect
$1626 is premium for a more common 6” 629 ND from what I’ve seen.
I won a set with case, blue box and shipping carton for $1131 last fall. $1285 with T and F.
The original box for many 629 ND guns was a presentation case!
This is the shipping carton for many of the 629 ND guns. The gun was in the plain two-piece blue box and the case was wrapped in cellophane. The 6" gun was introduced first and the 4" & 3/8"barrel length was introduced a couple years later. The 629 ND guns that have reached collector status are the ones with an "N" serial prefix. Sometime in 1982-83 the factory went to the "ABC" numbering system.
jcelect
I have that exact set up for my 6” 629 ND.
Box, box and case.
Because it wasn’t well photographed and explained well, I didn’t even know I was getting it all until it came through.
My winning bid was $1131.
I guess that can go Up to 20% or more north of there.
What? A 629 no dash pinned and recessed stainless is the most collectible stainless revolver only made a year or two in stainless.
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Yendor357
Member
With the new Colts being highly polished, maybe the buying public would be more receptive to a highly polished 629. It wouldn’t deter me.
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Just remember, a super high polish will also show every little nick, scratch and defect much more than a satin or non shinny finish will. If you are going to make your revolver a safe queen that rarely ever gets shot you might get away with that, but shooting a highly polished gun on a regular basis is going to take its toll on the finish. Some like ultra shinny finishes but to me while it may seem beautiful in a display case, it s fairly impractical for the most part.
