Model 629 No Dash pinned & recessed stainless???

[AC Man]

AS you probably know they were only made a couple years and they are a very dull satin finish. Would polishing them up a bit hurt the value?

 

[toroflow1]

I think it would to a collector, IMHO.

 

[Truckman]

I think it would to a collector, IMHO.

It depends on what you're collecting...I collect Smiths that appeal to me...Some shine like a searchlight, some don't...Own what you like, not what you think the next caretaker will like......Ben

 

[dogdoc]

Keep it original. Collectors or even accumulaters like me like them stone cold original. But it is your gun and if I liked it that way then I would do it. It is not like these a super valuable . I am not saving any of mine for some one else to enjoy after I die !

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Another vote for keeping it original. I have one that has been with me since new, around 1981 +/-.

 

[Xfuzz]

Narrow production window on these.
Leave it alone.

 

[ken158]

It can only be original if you leave it as it in original condition.

 

[lowriderfxr]

Keep it like it is. If you gotta have a shiny one , get a later one and polish away.

 

[AC Man]

I agree with most of you on keeping the finish. I wont see it in person till it arrives at my FFL. The pics all look perfect but condition is listed a good to excellent. I asked the seller about that and he said it because it doesn't have the shinny finish like they do now. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. We shall see. I am happy either way.

 

[minconrevo]

I think I would definitely leave the finish on that particular revolver stock.

I may put a different set of grips on, replace hammer/trigger with another type/width or perhaps change adj sights to a different blade pattern. I may install a spring kit. All these are non-permanent and easily reversible back to the same condition the gun was in when it left the factory.

The finish on the gun is the owner's choice. Personally I prefer to leave mine stock factory. If the finish is damaged, I to assess to see if it can be easily restored to factory. I have returned some SS buff and shined finishes to what appears factory, with some care and patience.

 

[stansdds]

Yes, polishing the factory finish will decrease the value of firearm, especially when there is collector interest.

 

[murphydog]

I agree with most of you on keeping the finish. I wont see it in person till it arrives at my FFL. The pics all look perfect but condition is listed a good to excellent. I asked the seller about that and he said it because it doesn't have the shiny finish like they do now. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. We shall see. I am happy either way.

I wouldn't describe the current model 629's finish as "shiny". I'd bet if you put yours next to a current model you won't want to change yours.

 

[Roofuss]

A no dash , pinned and recessed 629 is not super rare, but they are somewhat hard to find and slowly increasing in value. I'd leave it original . Not to mention, if you have the correct box, paperwork, etc. all the better !

 

[HarpHack]

My no-dash is recessed but not pinned. Have always wondered how uncommon?

 

[glenwolde]

You have me wondering if it has already been bead-blasted.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I also prefer the original finish.

 

[USBP SW]

I suppose that shiney has some advantage, if you need to use it like a signal mirror, for example. Personally, I like polished blue steel and wood but for stainless I actually like the brushed finish and nice wood.

 

[Doc44]

I would keep the finish as produced (brush or satin). I polished a 629-1 many years ago and was sorry I did. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[Dvus]

Keep it original. Especially if it is a 4" or 8 3/8". My no dash and its younger brother -1.

 

[Walter Rego]

I would think about polishing it with this thought in mind:

A polished Model 629 has ZERO original factory finish remaining.

As others have pointed out, those early Model 629's are rapidly appreciating in value. I think of them like when I used to see excellent condition Model 29-2's in their presentation cases for $500 and thought it would be a good idea to pick one up. And then they weren't $500 any more......

 

[AC Man]

I'll leave it alone. Thanks. The only reason I ask is I am not a stainless guy and I see guys polishing them on Youtube. It is a 6" and I have a 8 3/8 both pinned and recessed. I just need a 4" o finish out my 629 no dash.