Smith and Wesson serial number search

[FlyFish]

Mose - Are you sure about that serial number? With only three digits, it would be a very early .32 Hand Ejector 1st Model, but from the photo it clearly isn't. Take the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame - it should be 5 or 6 digits. It would help if you can provide the actual sn - use "X"s for the last couple digits if you like.

[laytonj1]

Take the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame - it should be 5 or 6 digits.

With the square butt grip frame it's likely a .32 Regulation Police. They are an exception in that the serial numbers for those are found on the front of the grip frame.

Serial numbers for those ran from 260000 in 1917 to 536000 in 1942.

Jim

[Mose Jefferson]

Thank you so much for the help. I called my friend back (I haven't seen the revolver in person), and was told that the logo, which looks like an S&W in the picture, is actually an "OH", which means that this is probably an Orbea Hermanos knock-off from Italy or Spain. That would explain the serial number disparity.

It's still totally neat, though. I love the obscure parts of gun history, when popular models get copied around the world, going so far as to duplicate the logo and cylinder release, etc. Thanks again for the help!

[Friy]

Looking for the birthday of a new to me 4" 586-5 with s/n CCY90xx

[laytonj1]

Looking for the birthday of a new to me 4" 586-5 with s/n CCY90xx

Hmmm, the book shows the -6 version started in 97 but the serial number is from 98. Knowing S&W would continue production till the old parts are used up it's safe to say your 586 was born around 1998, give or take...

Jim

[carguy_383]

Hello,

I have a S&W .38 Chiefs Special 2" and I am curious on what year it is I've seen some posts but i am not completely sure on the year. I was also kind of wondering how rare it is and if it is anything special.

Here is all the info i have on it.

Smith and Wesson .38 Chiefs Special
Blue Finish, 2" Barrel, Model 36, Square Butt
The Serial # is 9J3xxx

Any info would be very helpful
Thank you Blake

[FlyFish]

Blake - The production date on your Mod 36 would be 1971-1972. There were many 36s made, so they're pretty common. However, the standard configuration was 2" barrel on the round butt frame and 3" on the square butt frame, so if yours is really 2" (revolver barrels are measured from the forcing cone, or front of cylinder) on a square butt frame it would be somewhat unusual.

[adelphian.y.a.]

i have read over the posts and found one with the same starting serial number as the one i have. Which is 428xxx. it stated it was manufactured in the 1920's.
i figured it dated to that year because mine is etched with the owners name on it. the handwriting dates to the early 20th century.
1. does the gun being etched with the owners name affect the value?
2. the owner of the house wants to give me the gun. can i register the gun or would it be trouble for me?
3. she thought it was her grandfathers but the name on the gun aint her grandfathers. and being the gun laws weren't what they are today she has no idea of where it came from.

[WE0H]

Last weekend my father gave me his sidearm from when he was a Police Officer many years ago. It is a Model 10-6 S/N D267xxx 4" blue. I received the original box, anti-rust wrapper, & instruction sheet with it. Thanks dad I will never sell this. May I ask what the manufacturer year is please?

Thank you much,
Mike

[FlyFish]

adelphian.y.a.: 1. Depends on the name, I guess. If it's just a name then the value would be decreased; if it's somebody famous or can be tied to some place or event of significance, that's another thing entirely. 2. and 3. Depends entirely on your state laws, and unless your state happens to be Massachusetts I can't help.

WE0H: Serial numbers ran from D90001 in 1969 to D330000 in 1970. You didn't ask, but estimated value = priceless.

[WE0H]

no doubt priceless. A little holster wear on the end of the barrel and that's it for wear Dad took care of his sidearm and I assured him I would keep it flawless. Thanks so much for the info. It's good people like you that make this forum awesome

Mike

[DaveB]

This is one of the kindest threads I have ever come across in over 20 years of collecting. Thank you so very much!

Since WWII 1911's are out of my price range anymore, I am looking for an original Victory to purchase. My Dad is 86 next week and served in the Pacific with the Navy as a radio tech and listener. So, I may opt for a Navy Victory. Also, I carried a S&W 13 on my first security job 25 years ago so the 4" Smithy is in my blood! Don't ask me what Dad carried, he still says his enlistment was "classified" and won't devulge any info other than confirming that he was in 'special ops' on his discharge.

I have done a little research and found the Navy had its first two Victory contracts with no markings; thus, I'm presuming these guns are not as expensive as regular US Navy marked guns? Here is the serial I am inquiring about....118709. Besides the V serial, all it has is the bomb on the butt. Could it be one of the early Navy guns?

Searching and kinda cheap, Dave

[FlyFish]

Dave - I wish I could be of help in your quest, but SCSW doesn't have much of anything to say about early unmarked Navy revolvers. They do note that the ones that are marked as Navy can be worth up to triple their value otherwise, and cautions about counterfeit markings, so I think you're probably correct that an unmarked version would cost less.

Have you tried asking over at the S&W Forum where more of the real experts hang out? Or maybe carguychris will stop by - he often knows about this sort of thing.

Good luck
Dick

[Friy]

laytonj1 Thanks for looking.

[hoytinak]

Could one of yall tell me the manufactoring dates on?

Model: 686-3 serial #BEY0631
Model: 19-5 serial#ACW0708

Thanks in advance.

[realouis]

looking for mfg. date for chiefs special serial # 267j80 or any info.
Thanks in advance

[FlyFish]

Model: 686-3 serial #BEY0631

Early 1990

Model: 19-5 serial#ACW0708

1983

chiefs special serial # 267j80

1971-72 - the so-called "wandering J" period when the "J" appeared in different places within the serial number

[hoytinak]

That was quick....thanks FlyFish.

[realouis]

Thank You FlyFish

[saltydog452]

M 27-2, 5", nickle,Tgt hammer and trigger, Ramp front, adjustable rear (no insert on front or outline on rear blade) sn appears to be N 627656.

Any additional information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

salty

EDIT: This thing seems to have numbers stamped just about everywhere that there is an interrnal flat spot big enough to contain the numbers/symbols.

A few are even legible.

thnx again

sd

[DaveB]

Thanks, Dick!

How about V118709? Was it Navy does anyone know?

Thank you! Dave

[khemenway_2001]

i have 2 S&W revolvers 1 is a .22 LR 7 shot SN 128xx
the other is a .38 S&W CTG top break SN 233xxx
i would like to know when they were made also is there any danger in using modern .38 S&W ammunition

thanks

[WE0H]

Modern factory ammo in 32 S&W and 38 S&W calibre is loaded light on purpose to expect users to be shooting it in the old antique revolvers. You will be fine as long as your revolver is functioning properly and doesn't have split chambers or other existing failures

Your other option is to make wax bullet ammo which is primer powered with no powder. That would be safe in most anything loose or otherwise worn out

Mike

[Thwap1]

I have a S&W revolver that i cant seem to find out about... i have seen several things that lead me to believe its a 1950 357mag and the serial from what i read also seems to fall in line. Here is what i have, and any help would be appreciated.

Nickle plated 357mag 3.5 inch pinned barrel, square butt, wood inset grips,
serial as follows S 123XXX it was purchased from Stoeger mail order back in the early mid fifty's and i have the purchase order as well. It says ( order sheet) its a model k22???? At any rate and not being a pro id have to say condition is 85-90% with very slight cycle marks and i know that it has never fired more than a box of 38spWC ammo... there isnt any pitting or marks on the cone.. I can and will gladly provide a photo but cant at this time because of logistical reasons.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance

[khemenway_2001]

IMG_1821 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
IMG_1820 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
IMG_1818 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
IMG_1819 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

here are some photos of the revolvers i am trying to ID thanks