Gunshow model 29

P

papershotshells

New member
Went to a local gun show yesterday, had a great time and saw some VERY nice old S&W revolvers (M27, M58 etc).

One in particular caught my eye.

It was a Model 29, 8 3/8" (I believe), pinned & recessed, in the original wood presentation case with the original tools. In short, a gun I would like to add to my collection.

What caught my eye was the note laying with the gun stating that it was fired by the legendary Elmer Keith. Well of course I HAD to stop and talk to the seller about it as I grew up reading Keith (in issues of Guns & Ammo mag that were older than me) and I have several of his guns in my library.

The seller claimed to have quite a bit of correspondence verifying that Keith had indeed shot the gun while on a hunt with a friend of the seller.

I had no reason to believe or doubt the seller and I didn't ask to see the correspondence, as I was't a serious buyer (he liked the gun more than I did, judging by his asking price), but he did let me pick it up and handle it.

Pretty cool to have handled a 29 that was allegedly fired by one of my childhood heros.

Who knows, after tax time, I may go to the next gun show (I'm sure he'll still have it, he comes to every show) ask to see the correspondence and make him an offer on the gun.

Papershotshells
 
He was asking $2000.00 for it, which is why he still has it. Lol.

I'd love to have it, both because it's a nice example of the type from a bygone era and because of the Keith connection (if its true), but he'd have to do a lot better on the price. Elmer shot it, but he didn't hand craft it.

We'll see what he says at the next show.

Papershotshells
 
There would have to be some SERIOUS provenance to justify that price! Like a letter signed by the man himself WITH a picture of him holding the gun and box. Even then - and as much as I love all things Elmer Keith - I wouldn't pay that price.
 
Without the Saint Elmer connection, whay's a fair price on a late '60s 29, 8 3/8", in probably 80% condition with the wood box and tools?

I'm at work right now and my blue book is at home.

I'd like to add one just like this one to my collection, if we can come to a fair number I'll make him an offer on this gun.

Papershotshells
 
I would take the word of the dealer for what it was worth....absolutely nothing.

I picked up a P & R 29-1 with a 8 3/8" barrel in 99% condition for $700 last summer.

The longer barrels are not a premium, a 6" or 4" barrel would sell for a higher price.
 
80% condition? Well, unless it was owned by Keith and he took game with it(meaning photo evidence), I'd say you've got a $600 gun there - MAX. I bought a non-pinned/recessed 29 with that barrel length about a year ago for 450 in 95% condition.

I say keep shopping. There's nicer guns out there without the BS tied to them.
 
What's funny here is that if the gun had been OWNED by Elmer Keith, as so many have said, what we would almost definitely have is a revolver that has been pushed --FAR-- beyond it's design scope! :eek::p

Yes, if it had been owned by Elmer, it's value would be in the provenance and the idea that he owned it, not in the usefulness of the revolver itself.

But Keith was a pioneer in this game and made guns & ammo do things that most people had no idea they could do. He made a career out of damaging things en route to finding a "sweet spot."

If Keith had owned this gun, it might be loose and dangerous. :p:D (or maybe not...)

Neat.
 
In my area....a model 29 8 3/8" blued is around ( at 80% ) is probably $500 ..or so is all / at 90% or better $650 or so ..../ it would have to be almost perfect to get to $ 700 or so...

6" or a 4" ....would be about $ 100 more in my area...

and Nickel finishes ...would be $ 100 more - for each option...(in my area).
------
The story and the box.../ I don't know, that's up to you....
 
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