Smith and Wesson serial number search

[RickyRocket]

I posted a few days ago looking for some help, but no one seems to have seen my post. I have copied it here. I don't know anything about S&W's. I have had few revolvers but came across these two. I could could use any help though.
Thanks again,

I have two pre-M&P's that I know nothing about except made sometime in the 40's. Could I please get whatever info ya'll have ro share?

4" ser #C2289 (full number)
and
5" ser #912xxx this one has landyard ring

Thanks

[Dave Anderson]

I have two pre-M&P's that I know nothing about except made sometime in the 40's. Could I please get whatever info ya'll have ro share?

4" ser #C2289 (full number)
and
5" ser #912xxx this one has landyard ring

I'm pretty sure you meant to write "pre-number M&Ps". The M&P became the model 10 in 1957.

C2289 would have been made in 1948.

912XXX would have been made shortly before the V prefix was introduced (it was added when s/n 999999 was reached), most likely it was made in 1942, possibly mid to late 1941. The 5" barrel and lanyard ring makes me think it is most likely a .38 S&W made for British armed forces.

[laytonj1]

I posted a few days ago looking for some help, but no one seems to have seen my post.

I answered your questions in post #4745.

Jim

[sfacash]

inherited a bone handle S&W 38 SPC ctg. From what I can tell from my research is that it is a post war model but a I know nothing about guns. Thanks for any help. I have attached a picture.

Serial number S 8435xx

[laytonj1]

Serial number S 8435xx

It's a .38 Military & Police which became the Model 10 when S&W began assigning model numbers in 1957. The short 2" barrel makes it more desirable to collectors.
Serial numbers ran from S811120 in 1945 to S999999 in 1948.

Jim

[sfacash]

I look online and I have trouble finding anything similar for sale. Any idea on an approximate value?

[laytonj1]

Maybe $400 to $500, if it had the original grips.

Jim

[sfacash]

nm

[streetmaster]

I recently inherited a S&W Model 617-6 .22lr 6" 10rd.
Serial: CJA26XX
It has the safety lock and internal firing pin.
Can anyone tell me roughly what year it was made, and maybe what it's worth at about 95% condition?

Thanks,
Bob

[levallois]

I just got a 686-4 serial CBT33xx. Any help with a date of manufacture would be appreciated. Thanks!

John

[laytonj1]

Serial: CJA26XX

Book only covers up to 2004. Yours is late/post 2004.
You can call S&W's customer service and they will give you the DOB over the phone for free.

1-800-331-0852 (USA)
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time

I just got a 686-4 serial CBT33xx

1997.

Jim

[thedaddycat]

I received my "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd Edition" today, so I will be able to start helping with data requests at this point. Thanks to those who have helped prior to this, I now stand ready to augment your efforts...

[RickyRocket]

Thank you both Dave and Laytonj1. I apologize, I did not see your initial reply Laytonj1.

They are both in what I would call good condition. Any approximate value?

[BigHeadTodd]

Hey guys! Just inherited a K-38 Combat Masterpiece/Model 15 from my uncle with the serial number K 257XXX. Not sure if it's a K-38 or a Model 15. Any info y'all can give me is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for the help!

[Dave Anderson]

Hey guys! Just inherited a K-38 Combat Masterpiece/Model 15 from my uncle with the serial number K 257XXX. Not sure if it's a K-38 or a Model 15.

My books say it was made in 1955 so assuming it has a 4" barrel it would be a Combat Masterpiece. S&W didn't begin using model numbers until 1957.

Beautiful revolvers, I like the balance, handling, and overall quality. If yours has the original grips they will have a diamond pattern around the grip screws, and the right-hand grip panel will be serial numbered to the gun.

[jhog1]

In the process of buying a 686 and he said there are two # but not sure which is the serial # first one is 5412x and the other is AFK253X I would like to know which is the serial and how old it is

[scrappee]

new guy here. Have been holding on to these two revolvers for 30 years now. Time to find out more about them and what they may be worth.
S&W .38 special, 4" nickel plated, fair condition #E 130XX.
S&W .32, blue, 6", good condition #B2494XX. thanks

[thedaddycat]

"In the process of buying a 686 and he said there are two # but not sure which is the serial # first one is 5412x and the other is AFK253X I would like to know which is the serial and how old it is "

OK, I'll give this a shot but please bear in mind that I just got my "Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd Edition" so I'm still on the upslope of the learning curve....

There is a note that there is a three year transition period from 1980-1983 where S&W started using a three letter prefix followed by a four digit number. The dates are start dates for those serial number runs. I am using "Appendix 2, Serial Number range by years - Approximate" to find this information. This appendix starts on page 395 of my book.

It lists Serial Nos. of the AEV-AFJ range as November 1984 and then jumps to AHA 0667 in January 1985. I cannot find a listing for the AFK prefix. This information is on page 400 of my book. Others more knowlgeable in the use of this reference book please feel free to cross check me as I would like to learn if I'm doing it right or not.

"S&W .32, blue, 6", good condition #B2494XX. thanks "

B prefix, Model 61 Escort, 1970-1978 B-1 to B-65438

Your number falls outside the range listed and has six digits but this is the only B prefix reference I found. I have the Blue Book of Gun Values, so if you can give me the Model Nos. I will try to look them up for you.

"S&W .38 special, 4" nickel plated, fair condition #E 130XX."

I can find no E prefix data, sorry.

I guess I need some help with using this reference source. Again, if you are more familiar with the Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd edition please help point me in the right direction so that I can give more useful help to those requesting it. Thanks in advance for any pointers.

[laytonj1]

AFK253X

1984/85.
Nov 84 ended at AFJ and AHA started Jan 85, so it would fall between them.

S&W .38 special, 4" nickel plated, fair condition #E 130XX.
S&W .32, blue, 6", good condition #B2494XX. thanks

Those are not the serial numbers. Double check that "B", it might be a "K".
Take the SN from the underside of the grip butt. Depending on the type of grips on your guns you may have to remove them to see the SN.
See pic:

Jim

[scrappee]

these #'s were taken from the butt of both guns, grips on. with the exception of the "B" on the .32 Long CTC. The "B" was found with the # under the barrel with the cylinder open, but was not with the # on the butt. could the serial # be somewhere else?

Ah ha! found these words on the front side of the butt of the .38.
ORBEA EIBAR

[Thenarwhal]

How about a model 29, 8 3/8", SN: N3519XX? Can anyone give me any information?

[jhog1]

In the process of buying a 686 and he said there are two # but not sure which is the serial # first one is 5412x and the other is AFK253X I would like to know which is the serial and how old it is

Thank you for the info, Do either of you know what the other numbers is ? 5412x

[leandromartini]

Hello
I have a S & W 66-2 with numbering starting BAUxxxx what would be the year of manufacture?
Congratulations to the forum shared by the vast experience to users
Thank you!

[laytonj1]

Ah ha! found these words on the front side of the butt of the .38.
ORBEA EIBAR

Yeah, and the other serial number is not a S&W serial number either.

model 29, 8 3/8", SN: N3519XX

N3xxxxx ran from 1975 to 1976.

Do either of you know what the other numbers is ? 5412x

Assembly numbers. It's how they keep track of matched parts thru the assembly process.

S & W 66-2 with numbering starting BAUxxxx

1988.

Jim

[uncmrkhd]

I recently adopted a mod 37 and wonder just how old it is. numbers on butt are 1J153xx. Its been around the block a few times but sure is a blast to shoot