Model 629 with D19 stamp

[AmericanHunter357]

I have a smith & wesson in .44 magnum that is a commemorative piece from 1983. I have started researching it and can't find the serial number and model matching info on the web.

Serial is AEY1340
The stamp is D19 29596

Most forums say the serials are not AEY and that D19 are 357?

I am researching the pre-lock item and other changes to the barrel pin.
Any info would be great.

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[AmericanHunter357]

These were done up and sold in the mid 80's by the Orange Co. Sheriffs' Dept. (CA) and commemorate the 1st Lawman (Under Sheriff Robert Squires) killed in the the line of duty at Tomato Springs in Orange Co., CA. Today is the 100 anniversary (Dec. 16th, 1912) of that shootout and loss of life.

Here's a link to the story of what happened:
Lawman gunned down a century ago - Local - The Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/news/-199705-ocprint--.html http://www.ocregister.com/news/-199705-ocprint--.html


I've been told there are less than 300 of these and they originally sold for $750 (about $2,000 adjusted for inflation). From what I understand, they were sold as a fund raiser (Project 999) to gather money for peace officers killed or wounded in the line of duty. I also heard the late Georgia Frontiere the than owner of the Rams (who were still playing in Anaheim at that time) was involved in this project.

[colossians323]

you could also get it lettered from S&W

[Mr. Beretta]

you could also get it lettered from S&W

This /\

November / December 1984 is my best guess.

You have a valuable gun. Spend the $50 for the letter.

It will add to the value of your gun and answer most if not all your questions.

Good Luck.

[1CavScout]

very nice gun. I have a commemorative pistol from my former agency with a commemorative badge that I actually wore for a year in a similar case. The pistol was a limited run in an odd caliber, and I am sure some day might be worth something. It's a safe queen though. Never been fired.

[AmericanHunter357]

Letter

you could also get it lettered from S&W

Agreed, ordering the letter. Still doing my research. Thx

[I Swan]

Link doesn't work. I saw one of these for sale before at Grant Boys. Neat gun but problem with commeoratives is you can't shoot them or value drops drastically and finding someone who will pay a premium for one.

For instance a gun commemorating the state of Rhode Island is going to have a real small pool of people that would be interested in it. You may also want to post this at smith-wessonforum.com

[AmericanHunter357]

Article

Link doesn't work. I saw one of these for sale before at Grant Boys. Neat gun but problem with commeoratives is you can't shoot them or value drops drastically and finding someone who will pay a premium for one.

For instance a gun commemorating the state of Rhode Island is going to have a real small pool of people that would be interested in it. You may also want to post this at smith-wessonforum.com

http://www.ocregister.com/news/-199705-ocprint--.html

[I Swan]

Link still doesn't work for me.buylt I just googled it. I was vaguelu familiar with this incident but didn't know all the details. I didn't. Know the perp was a raper and had bad TB.

[hermosabeach]

Cool story behind the gun

[hermosabeach]

Are there any numbers inside of the yoke area?

[AmericanHunter357]

Are there any numbers inside of the yoke area?

I think the pic hit that. Did I miss something ?

[AmericanHunter357]

Bad pic of same area