Smith and Wesson serial number search

looking for DOB on SW M38 Bodyguard

Hello all... hoping someone can provide DOB info on S&W Model 38 Bodyguard, SN 802JXX

Thanks in advance!
 
Born on date

Greetings fellow S&W enthusiasts! Just purchased a Model 37 Airweight, no dash, and square butt. The serial number is 651576. Any idea as to when this firearm was manufactured? Thank you for Any help!
 
I was curious the date of my S&W 15 .38. The numbers on the yoke do not make any sense so I don't know the 15-? model number. The serial number is K 2959XX. Thanks! :D

David
 
The serial number is K 2959XX
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The serial number dates it to 1957, which is right about the time they starting stamping model numbers.
If no model number it's a Combat Masterpiece. If it has model 15 stamped it would be a 15 no dash, with -1 starting in 1959.

Jim
 
I was curious the date of my S&W 15 .38. The numbers on the yoke do not make any sense so I don't know the 15-? model number. The serial number is K 2959XX. Thanks!

David
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My reference indicates it was made in 1957. The serial number range in 1957 was from K288989 to K317822.

It was in 1957 that S&W began stamping model numbers on their revolvers. Generally this started in mid-year but with some minor differences in the exact date depending on model. Revolvers made in 1957 may or may not have model numbers stamped depending on the month/day on which they were made.

I'm not sure what you mean about the yoke numbers not making sense. Those numbers could also be parts inventory numbers used during the assembly process. I'd be interested to know if your revolver is actually stamped Model 15, as it would help to pinpoint at what serial number the model stamping commenced.

Edit to add, this was typed and sent before I saw laytonj1 had already replied.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. The numbers in the yoke area were this...

91014 was stamped on both the yoke and the frame that the yoke faces when the cylinder is closed (hope that makes sense).

Then on just the frame side of the yoke was also a Z or a 7 by itself (soft stamp, hard to tell which) above the 91014. And an 8 below the 91014.

There was no 15-X anywhere.

So I am assuming then it's an early non-model stamped 1957. Thanks for the help! :cool:

BTW, this S&W looks like it has hardly ever been shot, no visible wear at all.
 
There was no 15-X anywhere.

So I am assuming then it's an early non-model stamped 1957. Thanks for the help!

BTW, this S&W looks like it has hardly ever been shot, no visible wear at all
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.

S&W called it the "Combat Masterpiece" model at the factory and in ads, though you won't find the name stamped on the revolver.

There's really no difference in quality (which is very high) between this one and one manufactured later in 1957 and stamped Model 15. Other than the model stamping there were no changes made. It was only in later years S&W began making engineering changes (such as eliminating the top sideplate screw) which were designated by dashes and numbers after the model number.

By whatever name, and whether blue steel or stainless, the Combat Masterpiece is a wonderful revolver, arguably the best .38 Spl. revolver ever made. In the condition you describe yours definitely would be of interest to S&W collectors.
 
Blew the dust off pop's .38spl Model 10, 3-screw w/5-inch barrel s/n C459xxx. Curious about date range, looks like maybe '57 to '58? Gun is in unbelievable shape. Great piece.
Thanks!
 
First post! Thanks for the great site, I've been lurking and picking up valuable info from the experts!

I was recently given a nickel model 36 by my mother in law. It was her mothers and she said she had no use for it, thus giving it to me. I'm just curious as to it's DOB and my research once again led me here.

The serial #is J154xxx. It's in immaculate condition, and I don't want to use it for CCW if it has value as a collectors piece (wouldn't want to ruin or tarnish it's condition).

Any input on this from the pros?
 
Need Help Identifying Model# & Production Date

I've had a S&W revolver for several years that was purchased thru an estate sale. It has all of the characteristics of a S&W Model 40. Grip safety, internal hammer, all steel, blued, short barrel. I'm trying to figure out the model number and production date. The model is not identified on the yoke. The number 5069 appears on the yoke and crane. The serial number 1688 apppears on the butt and on the cyinder face. Smith and Wesson is stamped on the left side of the barrel and 38 S&W SPL is stamped on the right side of the barrel. S&W Logo on left rear of frame, and on the right side (forward), Made in USA, Marcas Registradas, Smith and Wesson, Springfield, Mass. Barrel is one and seven eights inches, it has a 5 charge hole cylinder, a round butt, smooth wood grips with S&W logo on each side. I'd appreciate any feedback on model # and production date. I've assumed that +P ammo is not appropriate for this revolver--is this correct?

Thanks in advance, MiltonD
 
The serial number 1688 apppears on the butt and on the cyinder face
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It's a Centennial (pre model 40). Serial numbers ran from 1 in 1952 to 30160 in 1971.
The early SN and lack of a model number stamping dates it to pre 1958. If it has 4 side plate screws (the 4th one located at the very top of the sideplate) then it's pre 1956.

Generally, you can shoot +P out of the all steel J frames.
That said, S&W does advise against it in pre 1958 guns.
For purposes of self defense carry, I can't see a problem with +P loads in it.

Jim
 
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You're close. 1960.
SN range for 1960 ran from C429741 thru C474148.
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Thank you sir...any idea on value? Gun still has about 85 - 90% of bluing. Handle is in great shape and it is mechanically sound.
 
Grandpas Gun

I have inherited my grandpa's S&W 38 Special. I was told it was his revolver when he was in the ROTC while going to college at Idaho University in the late 30’s.

It has a long barrel 6-7ish” and a small black handle. On the side of the barrel it has “38 S&W Special U.S. Service CTG’s” on the top of the barrel it has “Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass. USA Pat’d April 9.89 march 27.94 May21.95 July19.96 Dec22.96 Oct 4.98 Oct8.01 Dec 17.01” On the bottom of the handle it is stamped 316xx. Can anyone tell me specifically what year it is from? Or any information on what I have here?

The cylinder comes out but I don’t think it is suppose to. I believe one of the screws that goes through the frame is suppose to have a longer end that rests in the cylinder pin grove but has been sheared off. Can anyone point me to a site where I can buy a new one?

It isnt going anywhere but I was courious how much it could be worth?

Looks like this.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/50ft.jpg
 
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Model 36(no dash) Chiefs Special 546XXX with a stamped 'R' and what looks like an arrow pointing to a 'J'. Thanks in advance.

SG
 
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