S&W Pre 29 5 Screw 6-1/2" Factory Re nickel?

[EarlB]

Ok, I'm thinking about this one...just not sure on value. Recently a factory nickel pre-29 5 screw sold for a TON of money on GB. I know that variation is pretty rare...

I know someone with an excellent condition pre-29 5 screw 6-1/2" Nickel revolver with nice Cokes that looks to be in excellent condition. If you didn't take the stocks off, you'd think it was all factory. In a way it is, but it's not original. Originally it was a blued gun that was sent back to S&W in the early 70's and they nickeled it - putting the date stamp on the grip frame along with the RN stamp. It has a factory letter showing it shipped to Oshmans in Houston as a blued revolver.

Would you devalue it from the original blue finish arriving at a value of approximately $2000 or value it higher since it is an excellent factory nickel finish albeit not original?

Thanks,
Earl

 

[bigggbbruce]

Non-original says it all.

 

[lamarw]

In my personal opinion it has two strikes against it. It is a refinish vs. original. It has been refinished as a different type finish, nickel vs. blued, from its original production finish.

Otherwise, it shoots as good as it would of in its original form. If it was just for one's pleasure to shoot, then ok. I think for collecting purposes, it would have to take a hit as to value.

 

[22hipower]

It takes a hit on value but how much is "in the eye of the beholder" I think. If the re-finish looks like the typical factory excellent job, and without the telltale date stamp and letter, could pass for "original," it would still be very desirable for me. As one of the very knowledgeable folks here has said a time or two "the same factory, the same skilled workmen, the same tools and processes, the same high quality." I recently saw a factory re-nickeled pre-29 6.5 (evidence of re-finish obvious on side plate) traded even for a pristine 3.5 inch 27-2. Your estimate of $2000 seems reasonable to me. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[EarlB]

Thanks, still thinking about it. The only factory refinished guns I have at the moment are prewar LEO guns that were sent back for a refit or repair, those are acceptable to me because they saw heavy use. If recent prices are an indicator, I'm not likely to ever own a factory original 6-1/2" nickel pre-29 5 screw. Earl

 

[M29since14]

Beyond the realm of all original, like new in box - "it is what it is." Obviously, what you choose to pay is a matter of the value you put on the gun and of coming to some sort of meeting of the minds with the seller. That latter part is where I always run into trouble.

If it's in the condition you describe, I think the $2000 figure you mention would be fair to both parties. (You didn't mention case or tools, so I gather there are none.)

Factory refinished guns will sometimes show the trademark on the sideplate a bit light, and sometimes a bit uneven. That's all I've ever seen about them that even remotely bothered me. My experience (from long ago) with factory refinish work was always more than satisfactory.

 

[delcrossv]

Personally, I generally have no issues with factory refinished guns- they're usually priced right, especially for more hard to find models. I'm not really collecting guns for investment value so I can avoid the uber-valuable items

Original is nice when you can get it, factory refin is nice when you can't- especially if you plan on shooting it.

 

[22/32 JDF]

Earl Just go get it and have a good time like we all do then put it in your safe. JIM

 

[KEN L]

Earl Just go get it and have a good time like we all do then put it in your safe. JIM

And then post pics so we can all see this beauty!