Pre-Model 29 Born in 1957/ 4 Screw w/ 6&1/2” Barrel Appraisal

[Clinton R White]

I inherited a S&W Pre-Model 29 (.44 Mag), 4 Screw with a 6 &1/2” barrel. It is original and in great shape. I would rate it at 95%. The serial number is S169xxx. It has all the tools but didn’t come with the factory original blue case but rather the later mahogany one (am I the only one that likes this case better)? I know the case would reduce the price about $500.00 due to the inaccuracy , and I know I could always buy one to match. So to paint the picture she has the factory bluing, target trigger and sights along with the Gonçalo Alves grips. I tried looking the price up in Blue Book of Gun Values most recent edition (I believe is the 43rd edition). It lists only two barrel lengths for the year 1957 and I want to say they are 4” and 5&1/2”. Nothing about a 6&1/2” barrel is noted. I had the revolvers serial number along with pictures sent in to Roy Jinks for authenticity. It is legit and all the numbers match. I’m not looking to sell her as I inherited it from my father, but I am dam curious. What does she go for dollar wise with this length barrel?

 

[243winxb]

Need a photo like this of your Pre M29.

 

[Clinton R White]

Need a photo like this of your Pre M29.

Is that picture the forcing cone you are asking for?

 

[243winxb]

Yes. Shows amount of use.

 

[bangswitch]

I inherited a S&W Pre-Model 29 (.44 Mag), 4 Screw with a 6 &1/2” barrel. It is original and in great shape. I would rate it at 95%. The serial number is S169xxx. It has all the tools but didn’t come with the factory original blue case but rather the later mahogany one (am I the only one that likes this case better)? I know the case would reduce the price about $500.00 due to the inaccuracy , and I know I could always buy one to match. So to paint the picture she has the factory bluing, target trigger and sights along with the Gonçalo Alves grips. I tried looking the price up in Blue Book of Gun Values most recent edition (I believe is the 43rd edition). It lists only two barrel lengths for the year 1957 and I want to say they are 4” and 5&1/2”. Nothing about a 6&1/2” barrel is noted. I had the revolvers serial number along with pictures sent in to Roy Jinks for authenticity. It is legit and all the numbers match. I’m not looking to sell her as I inherited it from my father, but I am dam curious. What does she go for dollar wise with this length barrel?

I can tell you what the Standard Catalog of S&W (4th Edition, published in 2016) says about it.

4-screw revolvers began to ship in 1957 beginning around SN S167500 (so yours is a fairly early example). Revolvers with SN's as high as S184,000 may be found as pre-model M29's without the model number stamped in the yoke. 6-1/2" and 4" guns in both blue and nickel finish are typical. Five inch barrels began to appear in early 1958; 8-3/8 inch barrels are known as early as Dec 1958 and are seldom seen without the M29 stamp. Pre M29 8-3/8" barrels were the first to come shipped in a mahogany presentation case. Some guns are seen with 5 screws up to SN S174,000 but the screw started being deleted around S167,500

Values are given as (and remember, these are 2016 values) ANIB: $3750; Exc: $2500; VG: $1800; Good: $1200; Fair: $800

Nickel finish brings a 50% premium. Original 5" barrels bring 2X-3X premium

Coke bottle grips are worth $450-$500. Black cases bring around $500, so delete that much from a gun value that doesn't have one.

With appreciation over the years since this information was new, my guess is your 95% gun would be worth around $2500 without the correct case.[/I]