Smith and Wesson serial number search

Requesting some help again in identifying a chromed Smith and Wesson revolver.

A asked my friend to relook his revolver and tell me all the numbers on it in order to help identify when it was made.

Here is what he found after a second look:

Butt # V 457XXX

Back fo the grip WB-LP-1524

Frame# 6684 cylinder # 6684S

The S&W logo is clearly stamped on the side, so I know it's authentic.

Any ideas on what year it is from?

Thanks for your assistance!

Very respectfully,
Westenhoffer
 
Model 49 Bodyguard Mfg Date Help Please

Just aquired a S&W Model 49 pistola
Serial Number I think which I got off the butt is 1J438xx or IJ438xx

Can someone tell me mfg dat and any info would be great!
Thanks in advance

Dog
 
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Serial Number I think which I got off the butt is 1J438xx or IJ438xx
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It's 1J438XX and that would be 1983.
The model 49 (Bodyguard) was introduced in 1959 and ran till 1997 when it was replaced by the 649.

BTW, unique username...

Jim
 
629-1 serial number A700xxx
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Recheck the serial number. Take the serial number from the bottom of the grip butt. You may need to remove the grips to see it. It should have a three letter prefix followed by four numbers or an "N" prefix with six numbers.

Jim
 
My friend recently acquired a rather vintage S&W revolver in the 38 Special caliber. At least that round fits securely in the cylinder so I am assuming that is indeed what it takes. What I am wondering is that if it is a very early example of this round might it not require black powder cartridges rather than smokeless? There are no indications of a model number present nor caliber upon the gun itself. The only writing, other than the large S&W insignia on either side of the frame, is a small grouping of patent dates on the top of the short barrel and a four digit serial number in three separate locations. It has a 6 shot swing-out cylinder and intricately detailed black hardened rubber grips. The serial number is 3954. The writing on the barrel is as follows: S.A. Pat Jul 1 84, Dec 2 96, Oct 4 98. See attached pictures below for further details.
Could someone please indicate what year this might have been made, what model it might be and what particular rounds it will require? It would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
 
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Darth Kur,

It is a .38 military & Police 1st Model.
Serial numbers ran from 1 in 1899 to 20975 in 1902. It is chambered for modern .38 special ammo.
The barrel has been cut back/shortened resulting in the missing locking lug from under the barrel.
It was made before heat treating so no +p ammo. I would also have it checked out before firing it.

Jim
 
Thank you Jim for the valuable information. My friend is going to be very pleased to hear this. I will make sure she does get it looked over before it is first used, as you advised.
 
Darth Kur,

After doing some more research, the first models did not have a locking lug so that is not an issue after all. The barrel has been shortened though. Original barrel lengths ran from 4" to 6.5".
One other thing, first models are very collectable and bring good prices.

Jim
 
Thanks again, Jim, for the update. I'm glad to hear that the gun hasn't been terribly altered. Still, it's a shame that it was altered at all. I doubt my friend will care as much as I would. I always prefer everything to be in original condition. At least whoever did the shorting on the barrel did a professional job. Since I know she'll ask, how much would this gun be worth and how much does the alteration affect that?
 
weren't they made between 82 and 88? the dash ones I mean
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Yes. Below is the breakdown for standard 629's. Classic and Classic DX's were slightly different.

629 no dash = 1979 to 1982.
629-1 = 1982 to 1988. Eliminate pinned barrel and recessed cylinder.
629-2 = 1988 to 1989. New yoke retention. Radius stud package. Floating hand.
629-2E = 1989. Start endurance package. Hardened yoke and frame.
629-3 = 1989 to 1993. Longer stop notch. Bolt block added. Fixed hand.
629-4 = 1993 to 1997. Rounded rear sight leaf. Frame drilled and tapped.
629-5 = 1997 to 2001. Start of MIM. New frame. Floating firing pin.
629-6 = 2001 to 2005. Internal lock.
629-7 = 2005. 2 piece barrel design.
629-8 = 2006. Slabside barrel.

Jim
 
Since I know she'll ask, how much would this gun be worth and how much does the alteration affect that?
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I wished I could give you a good figure but there are few First Models being sold to get pricing from. Also, condition is very important (and hard to decipher from the pics). As for the shortened barrel, it will lower value but how much depends on the quality of the job and how bad a collector wants it.

That said, here's a 2006 price listing (values have increased since) from the SCSW:
Fair - $250.
Good - $375.
VG - $500.
Exc - $700
Exc+ - $1200

Jim
 
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