Rare Smith & Wesson S&W Model 29-1 .44 Magnum 8 3/8″ DA/SA Revolver 1962
SOLD FOR: $2,575.00
WOA#: WY240526BJ025
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 29-1
Serial Number: S229299
Year of Manufacture: 1962 (Factory Letter signed by Assistant Historian Don Mundell)
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “.44 MAGNUM”, the left is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The side plate has the S&W Monogram logo. The right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas. The square butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 8 ?”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert pinned to a rise in the serrated rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alvis square butt target stocks with S&W medallions. The left grip has the “speed-loader/ football cut. There are no chips but some cracks in the finish do to heat. Nothing indicates that the grips were misused or damaged in any particular manner. Overall, the grips are in about fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. 10/10 on the bore rating. This gun seems to have been stored most of its life.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a thin, faint turn line, not through the finish. There are small handling marks. There is thinning on the front edge of the cylinder. The front sight has some finish-loss. Some of the finish along the muzzle and cylinder has been lost through loose storing it in this case. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about fine condition for C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. The cylinder has almost no play on each chamber. 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: This revolver comes with a Smith & Wesson Mahogany presentation Case, paperwork including manual, The case has light marks from loose storage and rates about Fine+ Condition. The interior is clean; most of the factory blue fletching is still in good condition, the exterior has a few dings and little scratches, in about Fine condition. Also included the brush, rod, sponge,and factory screwdriver all in new condition.
Our Assessment: Produced for less than 1 year, Smith & Wesson’s famous Model 29-1 was built on the N-Frame with a square butt. The revolver has a beautiful blue finish and is paired with a pair of two-piece smooth Goncalo Alvis square butt target stocks with S&W medallions. This one has seen the inside of its Mahogany display case most of its life and there is little wear from use to speak of. This revolver comes with a two page Smith and Wesson Historical Letter, as well as the invoice and original shipping receipt from 1962, when it left the factory. Rarely do we get to see this level of documentation on any such item. The Historical Letter also states how few of the model 29-1s were actually created; and I quote “The Model 29-1 was in production for less than one year. We don’t have an exact count, but it is low.” So the rarity level is high.
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a timeless revolver that will likely never go out of style and makes for a great investment ( originally sold for $86, reference factory letter) not just for shooters but collectors alike. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality pictures.-K.F.
