Smith and Wesson serial number search

Thanks, Dave. Pleasure to meet somebody with accumulated worthwhile knowledge about something that fascinates me. I was curious about two deeply engraved symbols on the face of frame under grips, look almost like hieroglyphics. Did craftsmen put their own marks on their creations, or was it all mass produced, factory stuff by 1977? Not being pesky, I imagine you get plenty of questions being a 'professor' here.
 
I was curious about two deeply engraved symbols on the face of frame under grips, look almost like hieroglyphics. Did craftsmen put their own marks on their creations, or was it all mass produced, factory stuff by 1977?
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The markings on the grip frame are used in the manufacturing process. One example is the assembly numbers. Some parts have to be hand-fitted. These are numbered so after being separated for polishing and blueing, the same parts can be reunited for final assembly and fitting.

Other markings are used to denote that a manufacturing step (heat treating, for example) has been completed. Also you are correct in saying that the workers who completed the final assembly, fitting, and tuning had their own mark, as did those who did the final inspection.

Incidentally S&W revolvers still are hand fitted and tuned by very skilled workers, or at least they still were when I visited the factory four or five years ago. It seems no matter how close the tolerances of the parts (and with CNC machinery these tolerances are very close) the revolvers still need hand fitting in order to function reliably.

I imagine you get plenty of questions being a 'professor' here
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Jim Layton is the professor, I'm more of a guest lecturer who stops by once in a while as time permits. Currently I'm on the way to Las Vegas for the SHOT Show with some stops along the way to visit friends so I won't be around much for a while. I find this an interesting forum and find TFL one of the best web sites on the net.
 
I have a S&W 38 CTG I got it from my wifes grandfather about 10 years ago .dont know much about it ,we think he had it at least 50 years ser#5272 /with a larger # near it 3310 . any info would be appreciated
 
I have a S&W 38 CTG I got it from my wifes grandfather about 10 years ago .dont know much about it ,we think he had it at least 50 years ser#5272 /with a larger # near it 3310 . any info would be appreciated
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No one is in a hurry to try and answer this question, the reason being there isn't enough information. It's a bit like asking, "I have a vehicle with two doors and four tires, marked Ford, what model is it, when was it made and what is it worth?"

For example is it .38 S&W or .38 Special, a top-break or hand ejector model, blue or nickel, exposed hammer or concealed hammer, what is barrel length, cylinder capacity, grip material.

Also unsure if the numbers provided include the s/n or if they are assembly numbers. The s/n should be on the bottom of the grip frame.

Sharp pictures of GBS (gun both sides) are always helpful.

Would really like to help out but cannot do so without more information.
 
thanks for the time here are some pics
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Good pics, they helped a lot. This appears to be the last of the S&W top breaks, the .38 Double Action Perfected Model. It was made from 1909 to 1920. S/N range was from 1 to 59400. Yours would most likely have been made around 1910.

I believe the number 5272 is the serial number, not sure what the number 3310 means. It appears to have been added after the revolver left the factory.
 
Let me try again. I seem to be having problems posting ever since I did an edit.

Anyway, I am trying to find information on a SW serial #C289965 .38 special that is a least 50 years old.

Thank you for your time and help.
 
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S&W model 19-5 date by serial number -help please

I just purchased a S&W model 19-5 which is a nickel finished 4". The serial number is ACW1xxx Can someone tell me the year it was made. Thanks!
 
laytonj1

Thanks for the information. Are these guns valuable or just the normal $300 old S&W?. This gun is not currently in the US so I just want to know if is worth it to bring it back.

Thanks in advance.
 
Info on a S & W

OK What can you tell me about this S&W 357 Magnum? Serial # 36K6###. It is 6 shot revolver 4" barrel Stainless. It isnt stamoed with a model # Can anyone help me out.
 
Thank you

Thank you for your speedy reply. Just ordered the The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson from Amazon.
 
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Serial number request

Hi, I just bought a Smith and Wesson 442-1 38 special at a gun show
Serial number CPU 7XXX
Can anyone please tell me the year it was made?
Thanks in advance!
Christine
 
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history of my 32 top break

I'm trying to find out the year my .32 smith and wesson top break was made. There is no writing on the revolver besides the serial number on the bottom of the handle # 184669. I have pics if they will help. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


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