Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[Eddietruett]

A. 38 Spl
B.4 inch
C. I think it is what is called square
D.6 shot
E. Fixed
F. D496802
G. # number under crane will be pictured also but it says 10-5 then there is a number on back strap pictures attached Also if this is not a post war or pre model 10 are the grips on this revolver the ones that belong on my pre model 10 they look to of been switched to me
View attachment 895728 View attachment 895730 View attachment 895731 View attachment 895730 View attachment 895731 View attachment 895729 View attachment 895728

You have an interesting gun. It is a 10-5 for sure. The interesting part is the 10-4, 10-5 and 10-6 were all started in 1962 according to the SW Standard Catalog. Each different dash meant a minor change was made in the design. Your gun didn't ship until 1972-73 probably in 73 and normally would be a 10-6. Smith didn't publish manufacturing dates, only ship dates. Your gun could have been made early and shipped later or it could have been a left over 10-5 stamped frame assembled and shipped later. This is more common that you would think. Certainly not rare and would not add any value to the gun. I'm guessing by the front sight that your gun was produced earlier and shipped later. Grips probably are original but to make sure, remove the grips and the serial number should be stamped on inside of the right grip. I'm also curious if it has a screw in the front of the trigger guard or not. Could help determining if the gun was a left over frame or not. As far as the number stamped on the backstrap. Your gun was probably a law enforcement or security guard gun. The number is a department id number or "rack number" as they are sometimes referred to. You might be able to trace the history with a letter from S&W but spending the $100 does not guarantee you will find out the true history. It could have been shipped to a Police Department or Institution, but also could have been shipped to a dealer and purchased by a department of private firm as well. The only thing a letter will tell you for sure is the ship date and where it was shipped to. Either way, no matter the history of the gun, it won't make it any more or less valuable. Its a great gun and I would save the $100 bucks and spend it on ammo and shoot the gun like it was designed. Great gun and should provide you with a lot of fun times.

 

[Gary Krajenke]

This going to be a thread for those who are looking for a date of manufacture for their S&W revolvers.

We'd need to know :

a) caliber
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) grips shape (round or square)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores
e) type of sights.
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) Model number if it is under the crane.
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).

A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case...

I have what I believe is a Belgium reproduction of a Smith & Wesson, double action, top breaking, .44 cal revolver. My father brought it home from World War II. I still have the Certificate dated October 18, 1945 from the Headquarters United States Forces European Theater. I also have the holster that came with the gun as he brought it home. The serial number on the bottom of the gun is X78. It also has what appears to be a unique safety lever on the left side of the frame. It also appears to have no external hammer. The firing pin is actuating within the frame itself.

It has a Liège proof mark “ELG” on the cylinder. I believe it was manufactured around 1885 to 1890. The stamped crown/V on the right side of the frame I think is the so-called German "Vorratszeichen" (i.e. "supply or stock") mark for firearms being in trade, which was in use before the German firearms proof regulations were established in 1891. The wording on the barrel "Geissler & Hast Filiale Dresden" appears to be the gun manufacturer/dealer in Germany.

 

[Eddietruett]

I have what I believe is a Belgium reproduction of a Smith & Wesson, double action, top breaking, .44 cal revolver. My father brought it home from World War II. I still have the Certificate dated October 18, 1945 from the Headquarters United States Forces European Theater. I also have the holster that came with the gun as he brought it home. The serial number on the bottom of the gun is X78. It also has what appears to be a unique safety lever on the left side of the frame. It also appears to have no external hammer. The firing pin is actuating within the frame itself.

It has a Liège proof mark “ELG” on the cylinder. I believe it was manufactured around 1885 to 1890. The stamped crown/V on the right side of the frame I think is the so-called German "Vorratszeichen" (i.e. "supply or stock") mark for firearms being in trade, which was in use before the German firearms proof regulations were established in 1891. The wording on the barrel "Geissler & Hast Filiale Dresden" appears to be the gun manufacturer/dealer in Germany.

I'm skunked. I would post it on the www.smith-wessonforum.com forum and I'm sure there are some experts there that could send you in the right direction. I can't find any 44 top breaks in the S&W Catalog that come close to matching.

 

[Daniele]

Good morning,
I' m the owner of 3 s&w revolvers, if you can please help me to determinate the construction or shipping date.
Thanks for your precious job and sorry for my bad english
A. 357 magnum
B. 5" barrel (not rare but not so common in Italy)
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. N155462
G. 27-2

A. 357 magnum
B. 4" barrel
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. 35K9121
G. 19-4

A. 357 magnum
B. 6" barrel
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. BHL3327
G. 686-3
Thank you

 

[J-Bar]

If you please:

S&W Model 17-5, .22 LR, with 8 3/8" barrel, adjustable sights, target hammer, target trigger, target stocks, square butt, # AYL9565.

Any idea how many Model 17s were made with barrels that long?

Thank you.

 

[Pistolpositive]

Ok, would appreciate some assistance dating this beat up revolver of mine. It's a gun I keep in the desk for a quick grab. Have had it for years.
Square butt
4 inch barrel
No rear sight, just a groove
38 s&w special ctg on barrel
Smith and Wesson on other side
Made in USA under cylinder
Serial...S 849637
Under crane...v 8 20909
Also on crane 20909

 

[Elroy]

Hello,
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

1). 38 Special
2) 3.5”
3) Square
4) fixed
5) V57587
6) On crane: 2 and directly under that is 1523

There is a WB stamped opposite the serial # on the bottom of the grip.

 

[Eddietruett]

Good morning,
I' m the owner of 3 s&w revolvers, if you can please help me to determinate the construction or shipping date.
Thanks for your precious job and sorry for my bad english
A. 357 magnum
B. 5" barrel (not rare but not so common in Italy)
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. N155462
G. 27-2


A. 357 magnum
B. 4" barrel
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. 35K9121
G. 19-4

A. 357 magnum
B. 6" barrel
C. Square
D. 6 shot
E. Adjustable
F. BHL3327
G. 686-3
Thank you

N155462 1973
35K9121 1978
BHL3327 1991

 

[Eddietruett]

If you please:

S&W Model 17-5, .22 LR, with 8 3/8" barrel, adjustable sights, target hammer, target trigger, target stocks, square butt, # AYL9565.

Any idea how many Model 17s were made with barrels that long?

Thank you.

SHIPPED 1987

 

[J-Bar]

SHIPPED 1987

Thanks for the prompt response!

 

[Eddietruett]

View attachment 899274 View attachment 899275
Ok, would appreciate some assistance dating this beat up revolver of mine. It's a gun I keep in the desk for a quick grab. Have had it for years.
Square butt
4 inch barrel
No rear sight, just a groove
38 s&w special ctg on barrel
Smith and Wesson on other side
Made in USA under cylinder
Serial...S 849637
Under crane...v 8 20909
Also on crane 20909

.38 Military and Police Postwar (pre Model 10
Probably shipped in 1946.
S811120 to S999999 shipped during the period from 1945-1948

 

[Eddietruett]

Hello,
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

1). 38 Special
2) 3.5”
3) Square
4) fixed
5) V57587
6) On crane: 2 and directly under that is 1523

There is a WB stamped opposite the serial # on the bottom of the grip.

The victory models were produced from 1942-1945. Almost impossible to pin down shipping year without a letter. Produced with 4" Barrel. I would guess by looking at the picture that the barrel on yours has been cut mainly because the Smith and Wesson stamp is not centered as well as the front sight is not original. The original sight would be the half moon type front sight.
It once had a lanyard ring in the grip frame but has been removed and the hole filled which is very common. WB was most likely stamped by the agency that purchased the gun or a previous owner may have stamped his initials. A factory letter might possible give you more details but its a $100 crap shoot.

 

[Pistolpositive]

.38 Military and Police Postwar (pre Model 10
Probably shipped in 1946.
S811120 to S999999 shipped during the period from 1945-1948

first thank you very much for that information. Second, surprised that revolver is that old. It looks the part, no doubt, just surprised.

 

[Daniele]

Good morning Mr. Eddie
And thank you for your answer
Regards
Daniele

 

[smith627]

I have the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition and am still not able to determine the year of mfr for a friend's
Smith Model 36 that he just bought today.
> Model 36 J frame
> 38 special blued finish
> 5 shot
> two inch barrel fixed sights
> Serial no. AEJ2907

If the AE was removed from the serial number, I would say it was made in 1969.
My catalog does not show the AE prefix on the Model 36's.

Any help to determine approximate year of mfr would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Eddietruett]

I have the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition and am still not able to determine the year of mfr for a friend's
Smith Model 36 that he just bought today.
> Model 36 J frame
> 38 special blued finish
> 5 shot
> two inch barrel fixed sights
> Serial no. AEJ2907

If the AE was removed from the serial number, I would say it was made in 1969.
My catalog does not show the AE prefix on the Model 36's.

Any help to determine approximate year of mfr would be appreciated. Thanks.

Shipped in 1984 or 1985

 

[Gidz]

Hi, 1st time Post.
I inherited a Smith .38 special from my Dad. I’d like to know a little more about it.

a) .38
b) about 2”
c) Aftermarket grips. Unsure of original.
d) 5 shot
e) Not sure?
f) 133607
g) I can’t read the model number. Stamped on barrel, it says, “38 S&W Special CTG”

 

[Eddietruett]

Hi, 1st time Post.
I inherited a Smith .38 special from my Dad. I’d like to know a little more about it.

a) .38
b) about 2”
c) Aftermarket grips. Unsure of original.
d) 5 shot
e) Not sure?
f) 133607
g) I can’t read the model number. Stamped on barrel, it says, “38 S&W Special CTG”

View attachment 900182

You have a J Frame most commonly known as the Chiefs Special. If you open the cylinder, there is probably a model number and should say M36.
Based on the Serial number your gun was probably shipped in 1958 and by then they were marked with model numbers.
If there is no model number, then it is just a Chiefs Special. Either way, shipped around 1957-1958, Yours has a 3" Barrel.
Measure barrel length from end of barrel to front of cylinder.

 

[stuartanderson]

First post here, appreciate any information on an inherited pistol:

a) caliber: "38 S&W SPL" stamped on barrel
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 1 & 7/8 inches
c) grips shape (round or square): round
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5
e) type of sights: fixed front blade, square notch rear
f) serial number: 717XX on the bottom of the grip. No leading or other letter
g) Model number if it is under the crane: No model number. Manufacturing number on crane and frame: 808XX

 

[Eddietruett]

First post here, appreciate any information on an inherited pistol:

a) caliber: "38 S&W SPL" stamped on barrel
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 1 & 7/8 inches
c) grips shape (round or square): round
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5
e) type of sights: fixed front blade, square notch rear
f) serial number: 717XX on the bottom of the grip. No leading or other letter
g) Model number if it is under the crane: No model number. Manufacturing number on crane and frame: 808XX

You have a Pre Model 36 or Officially known as the Chiefs Special.
Shipped in 1955.
Model numbers were assigned in 1957

 

[stuartanderson]

Mr. Truett:

Thanks very much!

 

[Gidz]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Gidz]

Great info, Thanks so much!

 

[Vlad3572]

I recently inherited a revolver my dad used at some point in his 30 + yr law enforcement career. I would appreciate any information on this pistol:
Finnish is stainless
a) caliber: "38 S&W SPL" stamped on barrel
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 2 inch
c) grips shape: square
d) number of cylinder bores: 6
e) type of sights: fixed front blade, square notch rear
f) serial number: S 8388XX on the bottom of the grip.
g) Model number if it is under the crane: No model number I can see, but there is a 7, 3 and a 8479 on the second line.

 

[Jim Watson]

Very early post-WWII Military and Police .38, maybe 1946.