Smith and Wesson serial number search - Page 77

damHans · September 22, 2009, 11:18 AM

FlyFish, thank you for the info. The only number that appears in the frame cut-out is 429xx, so it appears as though I might have a mutt. A nice-shooting mutt though.
Thanks again.

FlyFish · September 22, 2009, 11:27 AM

damHans: Interesting. That's the only explanation I can think of, but perhaps someone who knows more about this stuff than I do (one of the millions) will come up with a better theory.

laytonj1 · September 22, 2009, 11:58 AM

Per the SCSW:

In the 1870's the assembly number system was replaced by using the gun's serial number on the major component parts.
On hand ejectors up thru the late 1950's, the serial number is stamped on the frame, barrel flat, cylinder face, yoke (crane), behind the extractor star, right grip panel and botton of the grip butt. (However, I've already seen a couple more examples with assembly numbers stamped on the yoke/crane and frame cutout instead of serial numbers).
After about 1960, revolvers had assembly numbers (instead of serial numbers) stamped on the frame, sideplate, yoke and sometimes on the cylinder under the extractor and other small parts. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip butt.
After about 1988, only the frame and sideplate are stamped with assembly numbers. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip butt and sometimes the frame under the yoke.

Jim

FlyFish · September 22, 2009, 12:40 PM

Jim, I know you're very knowledgeable about all this and I'm wondering what you think is going on with damHans' Model 36. What's confusing me most is that the number that appears on the butt isn't stamped in the frame cutout, which it should be, but does show up on the cylinder, while the number that does appear in the frame cutout shows up on the yoke (but not, apparently, the cylinder). I know it's entirely possible that a differently numbered yoke could have been fitted to the gun at some point for whatever reason, but why is that number in the frame cutout while the number on the butt is not?

damHans · September 22, 2009, 02:24 PM

I just double-checked the revolver to make sure I didn't miss something. 42xxx is the only number stamped on the yoke, and frame cut-out. 96xx is stamped on the grip-butt, barrel-flat, and cylinder. I can get y'all some pictures if you would like to see for yourself.

Thanks for the additional info, laytonj1.

RETPDSGT · September 22, 2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks Jim, you were correct, the serial number on the butt started with K. Does your reference indicate the model number?

laytonj1 · September 22, 2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

42xxx is the only number stamped on the yoke, and frame cut-out. 96xx is stamped on the grip-butt, barrel-flat, and cylinder.

The problem is you have two different numbers stamped on the frame. Only one can be the correct serial number and that would be the one on the bottom of the grip butt, which also matches the barrel and cylinder.
I cannot explain the discrepancy with the yoke and frame cutout numbers except that they would likely be assembly numbers (yeah, I know that doesn't agree with what I quoted from the SCSW but exceptions due exist... apparently).

Jim

laytonj1 · September 22, 2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

RE: manufacture date of K frame 22

Thanks Jim, you were correct, the serial number on the butt started with K. Does your reference indicate the model number?

K-22 Masterpiece, which went on to become the model 17 starting 1958.

Jim

laytonj1 · September 23, 2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

I just acquired a s&w model 36, serial number on the bottom of the grip is aba48xx
the number located on the crane is 87671, the aba48xx number does not appear there

any help dating this fine little nickel beauty would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone can tell me if it is safe to shoot +p ammo out of it, i'd really appreciate it.

ABA48XX = 1982.
Though not rated by S&W for +P, 36's are all steel so a little +P ain't gonna hurt it.

Jim

rbb50 · September 24, 2009, 04:34 AM

Well I have never seen this thread but very interesting so I pulled out my Smith & Wesson S&W 38 five shot stub nose

Here is what it has on the bottom of the grip 806xx

Here are some pictures of the crane numbers and some other letters they have on them

All I know is my dad bought this gun when I was 1-1/2 years old

It was the fist gun I had ever fired when I was a month away from my 3rd birthday in August of 1957 while we were camping in the mountains in New Mexico and what was funny back then it looked about what a 50 mag looks like to me today

Seemed to have a good size kick back then that almost knocked me over also but my dad and brothers were holding on to me otherwise I think it would have knocked me over

It is a S&W 38 cartridge five shot Smith and Wesson and I think it may be a model 33 but there is no model number I can find on it

Not sure about manufacture date either but I remember when he bought it he was all excited about his new gun so I would think maybe 1955 or earlier manufacture date.

Ask me how I can remember that far back?

Yeah I remember the day I was born and everything in between so its just normal to me.

Now days I reload for this little gun and it is really neat but it does not knock me over backwards anymore and instead is like a little pop gun.

Still I kind of always wonder about its worth as I have had offers for it but I never sold it because after all it was the first one I had ever fired in my life.

It is still in a good 98% shape or better I think and has been well maintained over the years

Funny thing but over the years I have never seen another one like it in that caliber or in that good of shape for its age and actually I have never seen one exactly like it at all in my life except the one I now own.

Well now wait a minute the gun he got when I was 1-1/2 was a bob hammer S&W and not this one and this one he got just before we went on that vacation and it was the first time he was trying it out also.

Plus we went on vacation in August of 1957 that year and not July as we had usually done earlier years so I was still one month from being 3 at that time when I got to fire it

Something just did not add up when I started thinking about it so I had to make some corrections there LOL

Blasted memory loss LOL

RollingStone · September 24, 2009, 08:22 AM

Could someone please supply date and info. for a model 10, C433XXX. Thanks.

Motownstan · September 24, 2009, 01:05 PM

Greetings:

I would appreciate some help with date and price for a Model 10-7, 1 7/8 barrel nickel finish with box. Ser # 8D09236.

Thanks - Stan

laytonj1 · September 24, 2009, 02:41 PM

rbb50,

Neat story. If the caliber is 38 S&W (not 38 S&W Special) then it is a 38 Regulation Police (became and marked as the model 33 in 1957). Your serial number is 806XX. Serial numbers ran from 54475 in 1949 to 122678 in 1969.

Quote:

Could someone please supply date and info. for a model 10, C433XXX.

1960.

Quote:

I would appreciate some help with date and price for a Model 10-7, 1 7/8 barrel nickel finish with box. Ser # 8D09236.

1981. $300 to $500 depending on condition.

Jim

RollingStone · September 24, 2009, 03:56 PM

Could someone please tell me the approximate value of a 1960 model 10 in excellent condition with original box (with red crimps on sides), warranty card, cleaning rod and bullets? It has been fired about ten times in its life and appears new.
Thanks

rbb50 · September 24, 2009, 04:05 PM

Yeah I remember it better now and the smith and wesson with the bobbed hammer was a 38 special of which my mom did not like because it was too powerful as she said for her and scared her

So he had traded it for the 38 S&W caliber with the hammer of which she could pull back and use as single action which she liked better

She still did not like the 38 S&W anyway and thought it was too powerful also

Hummmm come to think of it when I first fired it at age three I had to agree with her LOL

Now days compared to some of my full load 357s its like firing a BB gun LOL

He got it in 1957 but it was probably an earlier model maybe a 1954 or 1955 maybe even earlier as it does not have the model number marked on it any where and I do believe it was a used gun when he got it and not new as the stainless 38 special he had got before it about in 1955

I would have to have the number of of those guns they sold per year to ever track it down by the serial number but as it is I love that little gun and people I show it too cannot even believe it came from that era when they see how good of condition it is in.

Picture of it and before you say &*^%&*&*( scope *&&*)*(& ruined &*%^*&^)*( the scope is not attached and it is just laying on the table like that.

I realized I could not mount it because the top strap would have to be drilled and tapped and right off I thought Nawwww not a good ideal but the picture looks neat anyway

Added the grips this year as the original grips were like holding onto a tooth pick LOL

laytonj1 · September 24, 2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Could someone please tell me the approximate value of a 1960 model 10 in excellent condition with original box (with red crimps on sides), warranty card, cleaning rod and bullets? It has been fired about ten times in its life and appears new.

If it's "like new in box", meaning no wear, and the box and assc. are also like new then maybe $600 or so retail.

Jim

Motownstan · September 24, 2009, 05:45 PM

Thanks Jim

laytonj1 · September 24, 2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Maybe you can help with my k22 also

on the bottom of the grip it's marked k1622xx
on the crane it's marked 43304
I dont know if it matters, but it has adjustable rear sights and diamond grips

there's also some unanswered questions regarding this piece.
The barrel is marked "22 long rifle ctg"
the cylinder, which has a matching serial number stamped on it, will accommodate a 22mag easily, while when you shoot a regular 22lr cartridge out of it, they expand horribly and even split cases on a few rounds. Is this perhaps a 22mag cylinder? and if so, how come it has a matching serial number to the 22lr frame?

K1622XX dates to 1952.
Unfortunately someone has reamed the cylinder out for 22 Magnum, which uses a larger diameter case. So, your only option is to have a new cylinder fitted for 22lr or shoot 22 mags from now on.

Jim

RollingStone · September 25, 2009, 09:43 AM

"maybe $600 or so retail."

Thanks for the response. That really surprised me as that is about how much a new one goes for. I would have thought that there would be enough collectors to make this a much more valuable item.

keltoi · September 25, 2009, 03:57 PM

Thank you for your assistance in advance. I'm hoping to determine the approximate age and value of this S&W HE .32 w/ 4" round barrel, chromed, antler (?) grips, in very good condition, SN: 38xxx. Thanks again, my books aren't giving me the date of manufacture.

laytonj1 · September 25, 2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

1960 Model 10

"maybe $600 or so retail."

Thanks for the response. That really surprised me as that is about how much a new one goes for. I would have thought that there would be enough collectors to make this a much more valuable item.

The problem with giving values over the internet based on individual written descriptions is they are rough estimates at best. A better gauge is looking at the auction site archives (such as Gunbroker) to see what going (sold) rates are for certain models.
The book list the value as $365 "ANIB" plus a 30% premium for being a 4 screw model (10-1) but those are 3 year old values.
And, S&W made a bazillion model 10's. They are very common. That said, if a collector was specifically looking for a minty model 10-1 then he may pay a lot more for it. But for your average gun shopping Joe... ?

Quote:

I'm hoping to determine the approximate age and value of this S&W HE .32 w/ 4" round barrel, chromed, antler (?) grips, in very good condition, SN: 38xxx. Thanks again, my books aren't giving me the date of manufacture.

38XXX would make it a 1st Change. Serial numbers ran from 19426 in 1904 to 51126 in 1906.
The book you need is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, currently on it's 3rd revision.
The book list $385 in excellent and $700 "ANIB" but those are 3 year old values.

Jim

Norseman1 · September 26, 2009, 04:37 PM

DOB? I've had it for a long time. I think I remember S&W telling me it was made in 1967 or 69.

Serial Number 1K476XX

Thanks.

I know, I know.... I just ordered the book @ $45

FlyFish · September 26, 2009, 04:50 PM

Norseman1: 1971 (1K39501 - 1K99999). I have a 17-3 just a few hundred numbers away.

jesgord · September 26, 2009, 05:12 PM

Recently came across a .38, blued, new departure with a 4" barrel. Comes with a red box which I think is original. Serial # 171XXX. Can anyone tell me the year of manufacturer. I'm guessing its a 4th or 5th model based on the language on th box? Any help is greatly appreciated

Norseman1 · September 26, 2009, 06:00 PM

Thanks FlyFish. I was a year old when it was made.

We're practically neighbors, I live in NH.

September 22, 2009, 11:58 AM	#1903
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	Per the SCSW: In the 1870's the assembly number system was replaced by using the gun's serial number on the major component parts. On hand ejectors up thru the late 1950's, the serial number is stamped on the frame, barrel flat, cylinder face, yoke (crane), behind the extractor star, right grip panel and botton of the grip butt. (However, I've already seen a couple more examples with assembly numbers stamped on the yoke/crane and frame cutout instead of serial numbers). After about 1960, revolvers had assembly numbers (instead of serial numbers) stamped on the frame, sideplate, yoke and sometimes on the cylinder under the extractor and other small parts. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip butt. After about 1988, only the frame and sideplate are stamped with assembly numbers. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip butt and sometimes the frame under the yoke. Jim Last edited by laytonj1; September 24, 2009 at 03:08 PM. Reason: Add info

September 22, 2009, 08:26 PM	#1906
RETPDSGT Junior Member Join Date: September 20, 2009 Posts: 2	RE: manufacture date of K frame 22 Thanks Jim, you were correct, the serial number on the butt started with K. Does your reference indicate the model number?

September 24, 2009, 04:34 AM	#1910
rbb50 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2008 Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas Posts: 169	S&W 38 five shot Well I have never seen this thread but very interesting so I pulled out my Smith & Wesson S&W 38 five shot stub nose Here is what it has on the bottom of the grip 806xx Here are some pictures of the crane numbers and some other letters they have on them All I know is my dad bought this gun when I was 1-1/2 years old It was the fist gun I had ever fired when I was a month away from my 3rd birthday in August of 1957 while we were camping in the mountains in New Mexico and what was funny back then it looked about what a 50 mag looks like to me today Seemed to have a good size kick back then that almost knocked me over also but my dad and brothers were holding on to me otherwise I think it would have knocked me over It is a S&W 38 cartridge five shot Smith and Wesson and I think it may be a model 33 but there is no model number I can find on it Not sure about manufacture date either but I remember when he bought it he was all excited about his new gun so I would think maybe 1955 or earlier manufacture date. Ask me how I can remember that far back? Yeah I remember the day I was born and everything in between so its just normal to me. Now days I reload for this little gun and it is really neat but it does not knock me over backwards anymore and instead is like a little pop gun. Still I kind of always wonder about its worth as I have had offers for it but I never sold it because after all it was the first one I had ever fired in my life. It is still in a good 98% shape or better I think and has been well maintained over the years Funny thing but over the years I have never seen another one like it in that caliber or in that good of shape for its age and actually I have never seen one exactly like it at all in my life except the one I now own. Well now wait a minute the gun he got when I was 1-1/2 was a bob hammer S&W and not this one and this one he got just before we went on that vacation and it was the first time he was trying it out also. Plus we went on vacation in August of 1957 that year and not July as we had usually done earlier years so I was still one month from being 3 at that time when I got to fire it Something just did not add up when I started thinking about it so I had to make some corrections there LOL Blasted memory loss LOL Last edited by rbb50; September 24, 2009 at 06:07 AM. Reason: memory loss LOL

September 24, 2009, 08:22 AM	#1911
RollingStone Junior Member Join Date: September 24, 2009 Posts: 3	Date and Info. Could someone please supply date and info. for a model 10, C433XXX. Thanks.

September 24, 2009, 03:56 PM	#1914
RollingStone Junior Member Join Date: September 24, 2009 Posts: 3	Value? Could someone please tell me the approximate value of a 1960 model 10 in excellent condition with original box (with red crimps on sides), warranty card, cleaning rod and bullets? It has been fired about ten times in its life and appears new. Thanks

September 22, 2009, 11:18 AM	#1901
damHans Junior Member Join Date: November 10, 2006 Posts: 3	FlyFish, thank you for the info. The only number that appears in the frame cut-out is 429xx, so it appears as though I might have a mutt. A nice-shooting mutt though. Thanks again.

September 22, 2009, 11:27 AM	#1902
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,727	damHans: Interesting. That's the only explanation I can think of, but perhaps someone who knows more about this stuff than I do (one of the millions) will come up with a better theory.

September 22, 2009, 12:40 PM	#1904
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,727	Jim, I know you're very knowledgeable about all this and I'm wondering what you think is going on with damHans' Model 36. What's confusing me most is that the number that appears on the butt isn't stamped in the frame cutout, which it should be, but does show up on the cylinder, while the number that does appear in the frame cutout shows up on the yoke (but not, apparently, the cylinder). I know it's entirely possible that a differently numbered yoke could have been fitted to the gun at some point for whatever reason, but why is that number in the frame cutout while the number on the butt is not?

September 22, 2009, 02:24 PM	#1905
damHans Junior Member Join Date: November 10, 2006 Posts: 3	I just double-checked the revolver to make sure I didn't miss something. 42xxx is the only number stamped on the yoke, and frame cut-out. 96xx is stamped on the grip-butt, barrel-flat, and cylinder. I can get y'all some pictures if you would like to see for yourself. Thanks for the additional info, laytonj1.

September 24, 2009, 01:05 PM	#1912
Motownstan Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 226	Greetings: I would appreciate some help with date and price for a Model 10-7, 1 7/8 barrel nickel finish with box. Ser # 8D09236. Thanks - Stan

September 24, 2009, 04:05 PM	#1915
rbb50 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2008 Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas Posts: 169	Yeah I remember it better now and the smith and wesson with the bobbed hammer was a 38 special of which my mom did not like because it was too powerful as she said for her and scared her So he had traded it for the 38 S&W caliber with the hammer of which she could pull back and use as single action which she liked better She still did not like the 38 S&W anyway and thought it was too powerful also Hummmm come to think of it when I first fired it at age three I had to agree with her LOL Now days compared to some of my full load 357s its like firing a BB gun LOL He got it in 1957 but it was probably an earlier model maybe a 1954 or 1955 maybe even earlier as it does not have the model number marked on it any where and I do believe it was a used gun when he got it and not new as the stainless 38 special he had got before it about in 1955 I would have to have the number of of those guns they sold per year to ever track it down by the serial number but as it is I love that little gun and people I show it too cannot even believe it came from that era when they see how good of condition it is in. Picture of it and before you say &^%&&( scope &&)(& ruined &%^&^)( the scope is not attached and it is just laying on the table like that. I realized I could not mount it because the top strap would have to be drilled and tapped and right off I thought Nawwww not a good ideal but the picture looks neat anyway Added the grips this year as the original grips were like holding onto a tooth pick LOL Last edited by rbb50; September 24, 2009 at 04:50 PM.*

September 24, 2009, 05:45 PM	#1917
Motownstan Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 226	Thanks Jim

September 25, 2009, 09:43 AM	#1919
RollingStone Junior Member Join Date: September 24, 2009 Posts: 3	1960 Model 10 "maybe $600 or so retail." Thanks for the response. That really surprised me as that is about how much a new one goes for. I would have thought that there would be enough collectors to make this a much more valuable item.

September 25, 2009, 03:57 PM	#1920
keltoi Junior Member Join Date: September 25, 2009 Posts: 3	S&W Hand Ejector .32 Thank you for your assistance in advance. I'm hoping to determine the approximate age and value of this S&W HE .32 w/ 4" round barrel, chromed, antler (?) grips, in very good condition, SN: 38xxx. Thanks again, my books aren't giving me the date of manufacture.

September 26, 2009, 04:37 PM	#1922
Norseman1 Junior Member Join Date: September 26, 2009 Posts: 2	DOB on a K-22 17-3? DOB? I've had it for a long time. I think I remember S&W telling me it was made in 1967 or 69. Serial Number 1K476XX Thanks. I know, I know.... I just ordered *the book* @ $45

September 26, 2009, 04:50 PM	#1923
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,727	Norseman1: 1971 (1K39501 - 1K99999). I have a 17-3 just a few hundred numbers away.

September 26, 2009, 05:12 PM	#1924
jesgord Junior Member Join Date: September 26, 2009 Posts: 2	Recently came across a .38, blued, new departure with a 4" barrel. Comes with a red box which I think is original. Serial # 171XXX. Can anyone tell me the year of manufacturer. I'm guessing its a 4th or 5th model based on the language on th box? Any help is greatly appreciated

September 26, 2009, 06:00 PM	#1925
Norseman1 Junior Member Join Date: September 26, 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks FlyFish. I was a year old when it was made. We're practically neighbors, I live in NH.

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