Smith and Wesson serial number search - Page 68

gto4life · July 18, 2009, 07:30 AM

Flyfish thanks for the response. Mine has the pinned barrel. Thru some earlier research I heard that Lew Horton and Jovino were doing some barrel shortening for some customers. I wonder if this one passed thru there shop for some work? Any estimate on value. It is in very good used condition in the original box. Thanks again

FlyFish · July 18, 2009, 07:54 AM

There are others here who are better at giving a value, but I'd say something in the $600 range would be likely here in Massachusetts where it can be difficult to get certain models that aren't in current production.

By the way, I just noticed you said it has a round butt - I believe all the Model 25s were standard with the square butt except for a couple of special production runs, so it might also have had the butt shape changed, perhaps at the same time the barrel was worked on. I have a 586 that was so modified and it's virtually impossible to tell it's not a factory job. Is the serial number centered on the butt? - that was the giveaway on my 586.

Assuming all that work was done well, it could be worth a premium to someone, though real collectors usually aren't interested.

gto4life · July 18, 2009, 08:30 AM

Looking thru the opening in the Pach grip the serial number does appear to be to the far left side. More space after the number??? Maybe it had more work done on it than we thought. I purchased this piece from the widow of a family friend. Obviously, she didnt know what had been done to the gun. However, it was like new and still in its original box. It still had the string price tag in the box too. The tag said $479.00 I paid her $330.00. I'm feeling pretty good about it right now. Time to visit the range... Thanks flyfish.

WOODCHUCK 44 · July 18, 2009, 09:26 AM

I have what I believe to be a Smith & Wesson model 1905 4th change 32-20 cal. 4" bbl. revolver.
The serial number is 1428XX and is marked on the bottom of the grip frame, under the barrel, at the rear surface of the cylinder, on the inner surface of the extractor, and on the inside of the right wood grip. The grips do not have a logo, just the diamond that the grip screw goes through the center of.
It appears to be in excellent shape with almost no wear, a very slight ring around the cylinder, and might even be unfired.
Can anyone tell me the approximate age or even year of manufacture.

Intern · July 18, 2009, 02:50 PM

I am a summer intern at a small history museum in coastal North Carolina. I am currently researching a S&W Model 2 revolver in the museum’s collection. Donated in 1967, it came with the following description:

"Used in the Civil War by John Wesley James (b. ? d. 1918), Captain 117th Infantry. Later used while he was in the West gold prospecting and brought back when returned."

There are several problems with this description. Neither the Confederate or Union Army had a 117th Infantry Regiment. After searching census, roster, and pension records, I believe that the revolver might belong to a John W. James listed as a private in Company G, 16th Virginia Infantry Regiment.

To further confirm the possibility that John W. James used this gun in the Civil War, I would like to find more information on when, exactly, S&W made this particular revolver. The production run on Model 2s lasted from 1860-1869, but I hope to narrow the range down further. The serial number is “3297.” I have included pictures below. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Radagast · July 19, 2009, 03:47 AM

Intern, the serial number range ended at 29359 in 1864 and 48475 in 1865, so potentially it was used during the civil war. It has the correct two pins in the top strap for an early model S&W No.2. There were unauthorized copies of the Number 2, if it is a S&W product it should have markings : "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass." on the barrel and Patented April 3, 1855, July 5, 1859 & Dec 18, 1860" in fine print around the cylinder.

A $50 fee paid to S&W will get you a factory letter stating the specifications and address shipped to.

USNavyFC · July 19, 2009, 07:51 AM

Hello, My wife's grandfather recently passed away and my wife inherited a model 30-1 32S&W long revolver. The SN is H260XX. Any information on the weapon would be great. Thank you.

Intern · July 20, 2009, 08:42 AM

Thanks Radagast. That information certainly helps. I don't know if you can see it from the picture below, but the barrel does say "Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass." I looked for the patent dates, but found no markings. Some bad pitting on the cylinder might explain the lack of any stamp. I agree, the simplest way to find out more information involves paying S&W their $50 search fee, but you won’t believe the hoops that state employees have to go through to get spending approval these days. Thanks again.

range_rider13 · July 20, 2009, 12:48 PM

a) .44 Magnum
b) 6" bbl
c) square grips
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable rear sight (white outline) and red/orange insert ramp front sight
f) Serial #N791XXX
g) Mod. 29-2

WhistlerSWE · July 20, 2009, 01:01 PM

Can someone help me with this one?

629 Classic Champion, Serial Number #CDR7XXX

FlyFish · July 20, 2009, 03:34 PM

USNavyFC: Model 30s were made from 1957, the beginning of the numbering of Smith revolvers, until 1976. Prior to that the gun was known as the .32 Hand Ejector (Postwar), the last of a long line of .32 Hand Ejector variations stretching back to the turn of the century. Yours dates from 1969-1970, and it should be a 30-1, indicating that it was made on the "J" frame - previous .32s used the "I" frame.

range_rider13: Your Mod 29 dates from 1980.

WhistlerSWE: CDR prefix indicates November, 1999.

Kentucky Deer Hunter · July 20, 2009, 03:51 PM

S&W Model 66. Serial #AVU9xxx. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

KDH

range_rider13 · July 20, 2009, 06:01 PM

Thank you FlyFish!

Radagast · July 20, 2009, 06:45 PM

Kentucky Deer Hunter: AVU9xxx dates your gun to July 1987. It should be a model 66-3.

KNUMBSKULL · July 25, 2009, 02:42 PM

a) caliber .38sp/.357 mag
b) bbl length 6"
c) grips shape square
d) cylinder bores 6
e) type of sights. Adj.rear and fixed front
f) serial #ACL1XXX
g) factory wood grips
Smith & Wesson Model 686 (no dash)
No "M" Modification

Anyone know the production date?
Just bought it a week ago.
Everthing seems to be in tip top shape minor scratches not very deep and grips show wear.

Allsop · July 25, 2009, 07:01 PM

Hi. My parents have a S&W Mod 36 (.38 Special) that they inherited from my grandfather. Could anyone give me any back ground on this particular model and when it was made?

There were two numbers on the gun. One was under the crane (797xx) and the other was on the butt of the grip (J232xx).

Thanks

FlyFish · July 25, 2009, 09:32 PM

KNUMBSKULL: 1983

Allsop: 1973-1974, most likely '74. The serial number is on the butt; the number stamped in the yoke cutout is called an assembly number and has no particular significance. Prior to 1957, when Smith started the model numbering system, what became the Model 36 was known as the .38 Chiefs Special. It was the first revolver built on the "J" frame, which is now standard for the small Smith revolvers. The Model 36 was discontinued in 1999 except for a few special production runs.

KNUMBSKULL · July 25, 2009, 10:01 PM

Thanks FlyFish....I thought maybe 1982 or 1983 just as a guess...I've only had a chance to shoot about a half box of shells .Look forward to more shooting soon..

Radagast · July 25, 2009, 10:12 PM

Intern: I suggest you go to the S&W forum: www.smith-wesson.forum.com and ask for further help there. There has been quite a bit of research into no.2s by the Smith & Wesson Collector's Association. You would still need to contact S&W for shipping data though.

range_rider13 · August 2, 2009, 03:04 PM

a) .44 Magnum
b) 6.5" bbl
c) square grips
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable rear sight (white outline) and red/orange insert ramp front sight
f) Serial #N437XXX
g) Mod. 29-2

FlyFish · August 2, 2009, 04:56 PM

range_rider13: 1977 - 78. The 6.5" barrel length was discontinued in favor of the 6" in 1979.

range_rider13 · August 2, 2009, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the info FlyFish. Have a good day!

Ignacio49 · August 4, 2009, 01:10 PM

A friend of mine has an old S&W mod 40 (Centennial??), 38 spl, round butt, flat latch, black, s/n 14xxx (no letters). What would be the manufacture date? Does it have any collectors value?
Thanks,
Ignacio

Radagast · August 6, 2009, 07:49 AM

Ignacio49:
The Centennial was introduced in 1952 at serial number 1 and continued in production as the model 40 until 1972 at serial number 30160.The Serial number range started over in 1971 with an L prefix, serial range being L1 to L9861 to 1974 when the Model 40 was discontinued. So just over 40000 were made in 22 years. In comparison, over a million military & police revolvers were produced during the same period.

To help refine the time period (1952 to 1971 being a rather long run):
If the cylinder release latch is flat rather than concave, then it was produced prior to or during 1966.
If the Model number is stamped under the crane (cylinder hinge) then it was produced in 1957 or later.
If the original grips have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws, then it was produced in 1968 or earlier.

There is probably some collectors interest in good quality Centennials, but values are not high. The Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $550 in excellent condition in 2006, dropping to $385 for very good condition.

mrMONEYman · August 6, 2009, 02:40 PM

I got two S&W revolvers that I would like to date and get a little bit more info.

First is a 65-6.
SN: cef-438x
4 Inch barrel
Does not have the hammer mounted firing pin.
I'm guessing that this revolver would be made in the late 80's early 90's.

Next is a 28-? (don't remember the dashed number - I want to say its a 2)
SN: N86847
4 Inch barrel
Pinned barrel

TIA

July 18, 2009, 09:26 AM	#1679
WOODCHUCK 44 Junior Member Join Date: July 15, 2009 Posts: 6	Model 1905 Hand Ejector 32-20 I have what I believe to be a Smith & Wesson model 1905 4th change 32-20 cal. 4" bbl. revolver. The serial number is 1428XX and is marked on the bottom of the grip frame, under the barrel, at the rear surface of the cylinder, on the inner surface of the extractor, and on the inside of the right wood grip. The grips do not have a logo, just the diamond that the grip screw goes through the center of. It appears to be in excellent shape with almost no wear, a very slight ring around the cylinder, and might even be unfired. Can anyone tell me the approximate age or even year of manufacture. Last edited by WOODCHUCK 44; July 20, 2009 at 02:48 PM.

July 18, 2009, 02:50 PM	#1680
Intern Junior Member Join Date: July 16, 2009 Posts: 2	Smith & Wesson Model 2 "Army" Revolver I am a summer intern at a small history museum in coastal North Carolina. I am currently researching a S&W Model 2 revolver in the museum’s collection. Donated in 1967, it came with the following description: "Used in the Civil War by John Wesley James (b. ? d. 1918), Captain 117th Infantry. Later used while he was in the West gold prospecting and brought back when returned." There are several problems with this description. Neither the Confederate or Union Army had a 117th Infantry Regiment. After searching census, roster, and pension records, I believe that the revolver might belong to a John W. James listed as a private in Company G, 16th Virginia Infantry Regiment. To further confirm the possibility that John W. James used this gun in the Civil War, I would like to find more information on when, exactly, S&W made this particular revolver. The production run on Model 2s lasted from 1860-1869, but I hope to narrow the range down further. The serial number is “3297.” I have included pictures below. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You. Last edited by Glenn E. Meyer; November 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM.

July 19, 2009, 07:51 AM	#1682
USNavyFC Junior Member Join Date: July 19, 2009 Location: Wallops Island, VA Posts: 1	SW Model 30-1 Hello, My wife's grandfather recently passed away and my wife inherited a model 30-1 32S&W long revolver. The SN is H260XX. Any information on the weapon would be great. Thank you. Last edited by USNavyFC; July 19, 2009 at 08:12 AM.

July 20, 2009, 08:42 AM	#1683
Intern Junior Member Join Date: July 16, 2009 Posts: 2	S&W Model 2-Thanks Thanks Radagast. That information certainly helps. I don't know if you can see it from the picture below, but the barrel does say "Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass." I looked for the patent dates, but found no markings. Some bad pitting on the cylinder might explain the lack of any stamp. I agree, the simplest way to find out more information involves paying S&W their $50 search fee, but you won’t believe the hoops that state employees have to go through to get spending approval these days. Thanks again. Last edited by Glenn E. Meyer; November 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM.

July 20, 2009, 12:48 PM	#1684
range_rider13 Member Join Date: July 10, 2007 Location: Tex-Mex Border Posts: 38	Model 29 Born On Date? a) .44 Magnum b) 6" bbl c) square grips d) 6 shot e) adjustable rear sight (white outline) and red/orange insert ramp front sight f) Serial #N791XXX g) Mod. 29-2 __________________ *"If you climb into the saddle be ready for the ride!"*

July 18, 2009, 07:30 AM	#1676
gto4life Junior Member Join Date: July 17, 2009 Posts: 5	Flyfish thanks for the response. Mine has the pinned barrel. Thru some earlier research I heard that Lew Horton and Jovino were doing some barrel shortening for some customers. I wonder if this one passed thru there shop for some work? Any estimate on value. It is in very good used condition in the original box. Thanks again

July 18, 2009, 07:54 AM	#1677
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	There are others here who are better at giving a value, but I'd say something in the $600 range would be likely here in Massachusetts where it can be difficult to get certain models that aren't in current production. By the way, I just noticed you said it has a round butt - I believe all the Model 25s were standard with the square butt except for a couple of special production runs, so it might also have had the butt shape changed, perhaps at the same time the barrel was worked on. I have a 586 that was so modified and it's virtually impossible to tell it's not a factory job. Is the serial number centered on the butt? - that was the giveaway on my 586. Assuming all that work was done well, it could be worth a premium to someone, though real collectors usually aren't interested.

July 18, 2009, 08:30 AM	#1678
gto4life Junior Member Join Date: July 17, 2009 Posts: 5	Looking thru the opening in the Pach grip the serial number does appear to be to the far left side. More space after the number??? Maybe it had more work done on it than we thought. I purchased this piece from the widow of a family friend. Obviously, she didnt know what had been done to the gun. However, it was like new and still in its original box. It still had the string price tag in the box too. The tag said $479.00 I paid her $330.00. I'm feeling pretty good about it right now. Time to visit the range... Thanks flyfish.

July 19, 2009, 03:47 AM	#1681
Radagast Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Posts: 449	Intern, the serial number range ended at 29359 in 1864 and 48475 in 1865, so potentially it was used during the civil war. It has the correct two pins in the top strap for an early model S&W No.2. There were unauthorized copies of the Number 2, if it is a S&W product it should have markings : "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass." on the barrel and Patented April 3, 1855, July 5, 1859 & Dec 18, 1860" in fine print around the cylinder. A $50 fee paid to S&W will get you a factory letter stating the specifications and address shipped to.

July 20, 2009, 01:01 PM	#1685
WhistlerSWE Member Join Date: November 14, 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 70	Can someone help me with this one? 629 Classic Champion, Serial Number #CDR7XXX

July 20, 2009, 03:34 PM	#1686
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	USNavyFC: Model 30s were made from 1957, the beginning of the numbering of Smith revolvers, until 1976. Prior to that the gun was known as the .32 Hand Ejector (Postwar), the last of a long line of .32 Hand Ejector variations stretching back to the turn of the century. Yours dates from 1969-1970, and it should be a 30-1, indicating that it was made on the "J" frame - previous .32s used the "I" frame. range_rider13: Your Mod 29 dates from 1980. WhistlerSWE: CDR prefix indicates November, 1999.

July 20, 2009, 03:51 PM	#1687
Kentucky Deer Hunter Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2006 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 110	S&W Model 66. Serial #AVU9xxx. Any information would be greatly appreciated! KDH __________________ It's all fun and games until a piece of hot brass goes down your shirt... Imagine if every outdoorsman taught the sport to 2 young people -----> *What are you doing to save our sport?*

July 20, 2009, 06:01 PM	#1688
range_rider13 Member Join Date: July 10, 2007 Location: Tex-Mex Border Posts: 38	Model 29 Born On Date? Thank you FlyFish! __________________ *"If you climb into the saddle be ready for the ride!"*

July 20, 2009, 06:45 PM	#1689
Radagast Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Posts: 449	Kentucky Deer Hunter: AVU9xxx dates your gun to July 1987. It should be a model 66-3.

July 25, 2009, 02:42 PM	#1690
KNUMBSKULL Junior Member Join Date: July 25, 2009 Location: Tn Posts: 3	D.O.B. of Smith & Wesson Revolver? a) caliber .38sp/.357 mag b) bbl length 6" c) grips shape square d) cylinder bores 6 e) type of sights. Adj.rear and fixed front f) serial #ACL1XXX g) factory wood grips Smith & Wesson Model 686 (no dash) No "M" Modification Anyone know the production date? Just bought it a week ago. Everthing seems to be in tip top shape minor scratches not very deep and grips show wear. Last edited by KNUMBSKULL; July 25, 2009 at 03:09 PM. Reason: More info added.

July 25, 2009, 07:01 PM	#1691
Allsop Junior Member Join Date: May 23, 2009 Posts: 3	S&W Mod 36 Hi. My parents have a S&W Mod 36 (.38 Special) that they inherited from my grandfather. Could anyone give me any back ground on this particular model and when it was made? There were two numbers on the gun. One was under the crane (797xx) and the other was on the butt of the grip (J232xx). Thanks

July 25, 2009, 09:32 PM	#1692
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	KNUMBSKULL: 1983 Allsop: 1973-1974, most likely '74. The serial number is on the butt; the number stamped in the yoke cutout is called an assembly number and has no particular significance. Prior to 1957, when Smith started the model numbering system, what became the Model 36 was known as the .38 Chiefs Special. It was the first revolver built on the "J" frame, which is now standard for the small Smith revolvers. The Model 36 was discontinued in 1999 except for a few special production runs.

July 25, 2009, 10:01 PM	#1693
KNUMBSKULL Junior Member Join Date: July 25, 2009 Location: Tn Posts: 3	Thanks FlyFish....I thought maybe 1982 or 1983 just as a guess...I've only had a chance to shoot about a half box of shells .Look forward to more shooting soon..

July 25, 2009, 10:12 PM	#1694
Radagast Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Posts: 449	Intern: I suggest you go to the S&W forum: www.smith-wesson.forum.com and ask for further help there. There has been quite a bit of research into no.2s by the Smith & Wesson Collector's Association. You would still need to contact S&W for shipping data though.

August 2, 2009, 03:04 PM	#1695
range_rider13 Member Join Date: July 10, 2007 Location: Tex-Mex Border Posts: 38	Model 29 Born on Date? a) .44 Magnum b) 6.5" bbl c) square grips d) 6 shot e) adjustable rear sight (white outline) and red/orange insert ramp front sight f) Serial #N437XXX g) Mod. 29-2 __________________ *"If you climb into the saddle be ready for the ride!"*

August 2, 2009, 04:56 PM	#1696
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	range_rider13: 1977 - 78. The 6.5" barrel length was discontinued in favor of the 6" in 1979.

August 2, 2009, 06:45 PM	#1697
range_rider13 Member Join Date: July 10, 2007 Location: Tex-Mex Border Posts: 38	Thanks for the info FlyFish. Have a good day! __________________ *"If you climb into the saddle be ready for the ride!"*

August 4, 2009, 01:10 PM	#1698
Ignacio49 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2002 Posts: 221	Another one.. A friend of mine has an old S&W mod 40 (Centennial??), 38 spl, round butt, flat latch, black, s/n 14xxx (no letters). What would be the manufacture date? Does it have any collectors value? Thanks, Ignacio Last edited by Ignacio49; August 4, 2009 at 01:29 PM.

August 6, 2009, 07:49 AM	#1699
Radagast Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Posts: 449	Ignacio49: The Centennial was introduced in 1952 at serial number 1 and continued in production as the model 40 until 1972 at serial number 30160.The Serial number range started over in 1971 with an L prefix, serial range being L1 to L9861 to 1974 when the Model 40 was discontinued. So just over 40000 were made in 22 years. In comparison, over a million military & police revolvers were produced during the same period. To help refine the time period (1952 to 1971 being a rather long run): If the cylinder release latch is flat rather than concave, then it was produced prior to or during 1966. If the Model number is stamped under the crane (cylinder hinge) then it was produced in 1957 or later. If the original grips have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws, then it was produced in 1968 or earlier. There is probably some collectors interest in good quality Centennials, but values are not high. The Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $550 in excellent condition in 2006, dropping to $385 for very good condition.

August 6, 2009, 02:40 PM	#1700
mrMONEYman Member Join Date: September 26, 2007 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 90	I got two S&W revolvers that I would like to date and get a little bit more info. First is a 65-6. SN: cef-438x 4 Inch barrel Does not have the hammer mounted firing pin. I'm guessing that this revolver would be made in the late 80's early 90's. Next is a 28-? (don't remember the dashed number - I want to say its a 2) SN: N86847 4 Inch barrel Pinned barrel TIA