Engraved Smith & Wesson S&W Model 629-1 .44 Magnum 4″ DA/SA Revolver

Sold for $2080.00

LSB#: 220728WW001

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 629-1, The .44 Magnum Stainless

Serial Number: AEN0592

Year of Manufacture: 1984

Caliber: .44 Magnum & Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The yoke cut is marked “AEN0592 / M.629-1”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “AEN0592” in gold. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The sideplate of the frame is marked with the S&W monogram logo in gold. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM” in gold, the left side is marked “SMITH & WESSON” in gold. The rear of the cylinder is marked “V”. The ejector cutout of the underlug is marked “S”. The interior of the right grip panel is dated May 31, 1984. The revolver has a scroll engraved foliate motif on the frame, barrel, cylinder, sideplate, and yoke. There is a pinstripe motif on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame is marked “LTZ” in gold below the cylinder. The right side of the frame is marked “CTS / 91” next to the marcas registradas.

Barrel Length: 4″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, set on a ramped base that is integral to the rib. The rear sight is a square notched white outlined leaf in a click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation screwed to the top strap. The rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks with a speedloader cut and S&W medallions on a square butt grip frame. There is some residue on the left panel down at the bottom rear corner. The grips have light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The edges of the panels are uneven where they meet. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scuffs and draglines on the cylinder. There are some lines that look like black marker, likely from when the engraving was done, they are on the left edge of the rib and top strap. There are some draglines and light handling marks. There are areas of chalky white dried grease, some of the most noticeable is in the serrations, hammer, and rear sight. The cylinder has a turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. The cylinder lockup has hardly any play on all chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a S&W presentation case. The blue flock has deteriorated.

Our Assessment: Popularized by Dirty Harry movies, the N-frame long barrel S&W revolvers had already been on the shelf in America for a few decades; after the movie, the Model 29 was revered by target shooters and law enforcement alike. The 629 is the stainless steel version and has been made in a variety of configurations since 1979 filling just about any role that could be asked of a .44 Magnum revolver. This example is a 629-1 with a 4” barrel Goncalo Alves target grips, square butt grip frame, and a stainless finish. It has been extensively engraved and comes with a presentation case. The revolver was previously from a collection that included a number of accessories and documents of a Captain, later Major L.T. Zilisch, who appears to have been a regular shooter with the 5th and possibly 6th U.S. Army Pistol Team and Army Marksmanship Training Unit. The gun is in Fine Plus condition with a few scattered light marks, a great bore, and strong mechanics. If you’re a fan of engraved guns or Smith & Wessons in general this would be a nice addition to the safe. Please see our photos and good luck!