Radagast
Member
Model 14-3 K38 Target Masterpiece manufactured in 1975.
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
BinRat
Member
Thanks very much. You are a fount of knowledge.
And by the way, do you know whether that was one of the iffy years for S&W quality when they were owned by Bangor Punta?
And by the way, do you know whether that was one of the iffy years for S&W quality when they were owned by Bangor Punta?
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Bangor Punta ownership was 1965-1984.
But don't write them off.
I have a few of them, and they are all better guns then what they make now.
rc
But don't write them off.
I have a few of them, and they are all better guns then what they make now.
rc
Radagast
Member
.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change from 1940.
Bullseye
Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2008
- Messages
- 1,598
Hello, Got another revolver I'd like to know the date of mfg please.
a) .357 mag blued
b) 6 inch barrel pinned
c) square butt K frame
d) 6 shot recessesed cylinder
e) adjustable rear - partridge front
f) ser no. 57K50**
g) Model 19-4
Thank you!
a) .357 mag blued
b) 6 inch barrel pinned
c) square butt K frame
d) 6 shot recessesed cylinder
e) adjustable rear - partridge front
f) ser no. 57K50**
g) Model 19-4
Thank you!
Radagast
Member
Blueduck:
Your Model 65-3 .357 Military & Police Stainless was manufactured in 1987.
sigsmoker:
Your Model 19-4 .357 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1980.
Your Model 65-3 .357 Military & Police Stainless was manufactured in 1987.
sigsmoker:
Your Model 19-4 .357 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1980.
Smiths from Uncles estate
I purchased the two pictured handguns from my uncle's estate in 2008.
As you can see the one on top is a 45ACP Model 1955. It is not stamped as a Model 25 so I'm fairly certain it's a Pre-25 and I think it was manufactured in 1957 (looking for confirmation or correction).
The second photo shows the serial number, which was washed out due to file size reduction but is S 166019.
The "K.22" is listed as a "22 Long Rifle CTG" which I believe predates the Model 17 (most similar model to this) however, I'm not sure that's truly analogous. I also don't know if it's pre WWII but I suspect it's around 1947. Serial number on that is K 19448
As stated I attached two photos one being with open cylinders you can see other numbers stamped on the frame. I'm not sure what they mean although I know they are not serial numbers; as those are stamped in 3 places on the .45 and two places on the 22. Cylinders both reflect the numbers I cited and the grip frames have them also. The .45 has a third place which is inside the barrel lug as you can see in the photo. Any other info anyone could provide would be most appreciated. I will add however the .22 has 3 small dimples on the cylinder which look like dimples on center fire primers but as this isn't a center fire weapon I have no idea what caused them.
PS both weapons are 5 screw models.
I purchased the two pictured handguns from my uncle's estate in 2008.
As you can see the one on top is a 45ACP Model 1955. It is not stamped as a Model 25 so I'm fairly certain it's a Pre-25 and I think it was manufactured in 1957 (looking for confirmation or correction).
The second photo shows the serial number, which was washed out due to file size reduction but is S 166019.
The "K.22" is listed as a "22 Long Rifle CTG" which I believe predates the Model 17 (most similar model to this) however, I'm not sure that's truly analogous. I also don't know if it's pre WWII but I suspect it's around 1947. Serial number on that is K 19448
As stated I attached two photos one being with open cylinders you can see other numbers stamped on the frame. I'm not sure what they mean although I know they are not serial numbers; as those are stamped in 3 places on the .45 and two places on the 22. Cylinders both reflect the numbers I cited and the grip frames have them also. The .45 has a third place which is inside the barrel lug as you can see in the photo. Any other info anyone could provide would be most appreciated. I will add however the .22 has 3 small dimples on the cylinder which look like dimples on center fire primers but as this isn't a center fire weapon I have no idea what caused them.
PS both weapons are 5 screw models.
Attachments
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Radagast
Member
dct9000:
Serial number S15645x shipped November 1956.
Serial number S167001 shipped January 1957.
So your Model 1955 .45 Target Model (Heavy Barrel) was probably manufactured in 1956, but my have shipped in 1957.
Serial number K19448 indicated a K22 Masterpiece (Postwar 3rd Model) with a 1948 year of manufacture, and quite early in that year.
The standard catalogue of S&W notes that pre '48 frames were stamped made in the USA, from 1948 they were stamped with the 4 line address. This suggests yours was already going through production in late 1947.
Early production had a tapered top rib and a 1/10" wide front sight. Later guns had a 1/8" front sight and straight rib.
In 1957 the K22 Masterpiece was designated the Model 17.
Are the dimples on the cylinder face? they may be caused by firing pin strikes when dry firing.
The grips on the K22 are probably original and may be numbered to the gun on the inside.
The grips on the .45 are of recent production.
Those would be keepers for me.
Serial number S15645x shipped November 1956.
Serial number S167001 shipped January 1957.
So your Model 1955 .45 Target Model (Heavy Barrel) was probably manufactured in 1956, but my have shipped in 1957.
Serial number K19448 indicated a K22 Masterpiece (Postwar 3rd Model) with a 1948 year of manufacture, and quite early in that year.
The standard catalogue of S&W notes that pre '48 frames were stamped made in the USA, from 1948 they were stamped with the 4 line address. This suggests yours was already going through production in late 1947.
Early production had a tapered top rib and a 1/10" wide front sight. Later guns had a 1/8" front sight and straight rib.
In 1957 the K22 Masterpiece was designated the Model 17.
Are the dimples on the cylinder face? they may be caused by firing pin strikes when dry firing.
The grips on the K22 are probably original and may be numbered to the gun on the inside.
The grips on the .45 are of recent production.
Those would be keepers for me.
Radagast Thank You
Thank you so much. Based on your info the M1955 is very close to the same age as me, as I was born on 11/19/1956. So I may predate it by a little but not by much. I really appreciate the information you gave me.
As for the grips they were on the .45 when my uncle bought it 20+ years ago.
Again I really appreciate the information you gave me.
Regards
Dave
Thank you so much. Based on your info the M1955 is very close to the same age as me, as I was born on 11/19/1956. So I may predate it by a little but not by much. I really appreciate the information you gave me.
As for the grips they were on the .45 when my uncle bought it 20+ years ago.
Again I really appreciate the information you gave me.
Regards
Dave
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
No, the grips on the .45 are not original.
They are much later laminated wood finger groove grips.
The grips that came on the gun would have been Walnut or Goncalo Alves diamond checkered Target grips with no finger grooves.
rc
They are much later laminated wood finger groove grips.
The grips that came on the gun would have been Walnut or Goncalo Alves diamond checkered Target grips with no finger grooves.
rc
Radagast
Member
What I said.
They look similar to the finger grooved grips offered on various special run guns for Lew Horton in the late 80s.
4eyes
Member
hey gents.. I picked up a gem at gun show last week. would appreciate any info you can give me. It was in bad shape and grip safety and ejector wouldn't work. Bore was rusty. Cleaned and lubed and now all is functional. Even bought an old box of .38 s&w ammo for few bucks. its a break top s&w in 38 s&w, 4 inch barrel, round butt with grip safety, hammerless, 5 shot, tiny fixed sights. front sight filed off. serial 3824X , I'll try to include photo. thanks..
4eyes
Member
hammerless photos
yeah.
yeah.
Ah yes! One of my favorite old timers.
It's a Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless/New Departure 2nd. Model. Date of manufacture is likely 1899. Numrich (www.gunpartscorporation.com) likely have a sight blade that can be made to fit.
It is sometimes called The President's revolver because both presidents Teddy and Franklin D. Roosevelt owned and sometimes carried one. It was named the Safety Hammerless because of the unique grip safety. And because it was made from 1887 to 1940 it became the longest lasting S&W top-break.
Because of it's age, condition and the fact it was made to withstand black powder only - I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DON'T SHOOT IT! Consider it to be what it is, a very interesting relic with a lot of history behind it.
It's a Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless/New Departure 2nd. Model. Date of manufacture is likely 1899. Numrich (www.gunpartscorporation.com) likely have a sight blade that can be made to fit.
It is sometimes called The President's revolver because both presidents Teddy and Franklin D. Roosevelt owned and sometimes carried one. It was named the Safety Hammerless because of the unique grip safety. And because it was made from 1887 to 1940 it became the longest lasting S&W top-break.
Because of it's age, condition and the fact it was made to withstand black powder only - I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DON'T SHOOT IT! Consider it to be what it is, a very interesting relic with a lot of history behind it.
4eyes
Member
Thank you very much FUFF. I do reload. I may have to try 5 pieces of primed brass just to check function.I Wanna hear it pop.
Radagast
Member
.38 Military & Police Postwar, the Pre-Model 10. Manufactured between 1948 & 1951, serial range for those years was C1 to C223998, starting in April 1948, so 1949 seems likely. Grips are modern after market. The gun appears to be refinished, S&W did not nickel plate the hammer and trigger. If the hammer and trigger are color case hardened, not nickel, then the finish may be original.
From the hammer it appears to be a modern 'short action' gun, the change over from the pre-war 'long action' to short action occurred 1947-1948 as old parts were used up.
From the hammer it appears to be a modern 'short action' gun, the change over from the pre-war 'long action' to short action occurred 1947-1948 as old parts were used up.
CajunBass
Member
Model 19-3...S/N 2K12320?
