Pre-29

[twaits]

When I was at home visiting my Father a couple weeks ago he gave me his Pre-29. The serial number puts it right around the time they started with model numbers but mine does not have one. So would this gun be from 1957?

(I'm currently trying to upload more photos but it's not letting me upload more than these two right now)

 

[twaits]

Well this is all I can upload here unfortunately. All my files in Imgur are exactly the same size but it's saying they're too large.

 

[series guy]

The Standard Catalog list that number as being in the 1957 - 1958 range. That is a gun to be proud of.

 

[gfors]

Beautiful piece!
I would be very proud to own that one.

 

[gfors]

Well this is all I can upload here unfortunately. All my files in Imgur are exactly the same size but it's saying they're too large.

I use Imgur, also. You can click on 3 dots, in the upper right, when in the image. This will open a menu. select "Share Links". This will open up another menu. copy the link for "forums". I paste this link into the body of my post. Works for me. No need for thumnails.

 

[twaits]

I use Imgur, also. You can click on 3 dots, in the upper right, when in the image. This will open a menu. select "Share Links". This will open up another menu. copy the link for "forums". I paste this link into the body of my post. Works for me. No need for thumnails.

Probably only works on a computer which I almost never use anymore, like most people. Trying to do it on my phone. The Colt Forum is awesome, I don't need to use a photo sharing site at all. I can just upload pics right from my phone. Good content here but this Forum is technologically archaic.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

This Forum is also Awesome.
I up load direct from my iPad.
Don't need no stinking photo site.

 

[hibbs]

I have pre- 29 S177XXX THAT WAS shipped Feb. 1958, if that helps.

Richard

 

[hibbs]

I have pre-29, S177xxx that shipped Feb. 1958, if that helps.

Richard

 

[65Whelen]

That is something to treasure.

 

[bigmoose]

Your dad has great taste in firearms.

 

[22hipower]

This info is from a previous Doc44 post on the 4 screw pre-29s. "The directive to delete the upper side plate screw for N-frame revolvers was issued in Sept 1956 and 44 Magnums with 4 screw frame and no model number first appeared in Feb 1957 at aprox SN S167500. During the first half of 1957, 44 Magnums with a 5 screw frame and 4 screw frame were shipped. Stamping of MOD-29 in the yoke cut began at aprox
SN S183900, so there are aprox 16,400 SNs for all N frame models that could have 4 screw frame and no model number. If the Model 29 comprised 20% (a guess) of those manufactured, then aprox 3200 44 Magnums with a 4 screw frame and no model number may have been made. This is just over half the number shipped with a 5 screw frame and no model number."

Since there are fewer 4 screw non-model stamped pre-29s it would be reasonable to think those would be more valuable but that is not the case. There was a post here a week or so ago wondering about the difference in value and for a high condition one the consensus I think was that that difference would be in the $1k to $2k range.

Very nice revolver you have, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Hawg Rider]

twaits: What a superb gift you received from your father. A 4-screw .44 Magnum is an outstanding revolver, and quite valuable. I hope that you keep it as a keepsake and pass it down when the time comes.

BTW: IMHO this Forum is not archaic, just different...it is very easy to upload up to 5 pictures to your S&W Forum post. Below the Post text box, you'll see boxes for "Additional Options" and "Attach Files". Click on the "Manage Attachments", and a box will pop up where you can browse your files and upload. I usually place my photos on my Desktop, and upload from there. Easy peasy. Should be similar when using your cellphone and photos.

 

[alphagunnut]

Pre 29

This is all very interesting , but a bit confusing. My father left me a pre 29, 5 screw, S/N 16711X. Finish is 99%. Has what appears to be the original wood presentation case with blue felt interior and cleaning tools. Any idea on value? Thanks!

 

[22hipower]

Welcome to the Forum. Probably would need a letter to confirm if 1956 or 1957. The wooden box is probably not correct; should be one as pictured below. We'd love to see pictures. As to value, assuming 99% and with correct box, probably in the $5-$6k range if a first year 4 inch; $$4-5k if a 6.5.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2nt5Kps https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

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

 

[alphagunnut]

Sorry, suffix is "S"

 

[Mbrgr1]

I don't suppose your father would be interested in adopting?


Just beautiful.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Thank you for sharing; it is really remarkable and a particularly nice heirloom he passed to you. Further, I think it is very special when father and son's also share hobbies.

I concur with the above poster: 22hipower.

I don't recall the specifics anymore because when I was last 'seriously studying these' (serious for me, anyway); I recall there are no hard and fast rules during this time period because inventory would be used up on N frames based on demand and shared. The 5-screw was particularly popular at the time but frame and serials shared over a 2-3 year period across N frames.

Memory or recall from ten years ago is worth admission price, but I believe these are fair statements and welcome further education.

 

[JudgeColt]

Sorry, suffix is "S"

Don't you mean the PREfix is "S?"

 

[Doc44]

Nearly all of the 44 Magnums in my database with a serial number in the S179000 range shipped in 1958. They would have been shipped with a dark blue/black presentation case with a smooth exterior.

Bill