S&W Model 29-3 markings

[belercous]

I recently acquired a S&W model 29-3. While logging the s/n I noticed 2 different numbers in the crane. I was pretty sure that the one that was
X27xx was it, but to be sure I removed the grips. X27xx seemed to be my s/n number, but I found a bunch of other markings on the frame as well. I'd kind of like to know what they all mean, if anyone can help me. Here goes:

1. Does the "X" in front of my s/n mean this was a factory second or something weird, or is it just a normal s/n

2. Under the crane, on the frame, is "A HT47xx" & the model number (29-3). The 1st number appears hand stamped, not even like the m/n. Any idea about this number?

3. On the crane & lt side of the frame (under grip) is "A11"

4. Or is the number on the bottom of the grip frame my s/n? It matches the ATH47xx. For some reason I thought the s/n on Smiths was on the crane & lt side of the grip frame. If this is my s/n, then what does the "X75xx" number mean?

5. Also, on the lt side of the grip frame is "F" & "F21" which I'm guessing are some kind of later modifications, but I dunno.

6. On the rt side of the grip frame is an "E" in a circle, an "I" in a triangle, and the number 4758.

The gun came with Houge grips so I'm not sure which is the s/n, (I thought the factory grips had the s/n penciled inside them. But then again, I'm not too bright. (Which kinda sucks cuz I'm not too handsome either. Nor am I rich.)

Any assistance in this matter would be most appreciated. I'm a bit curious as to what these markings mean. I was told by a fairly irreputable source that the markings meant the gun was defective & was illegal to own, but the guy seemed a bit too eager to take it off my hands for $100 so I held off. I'm kinda thinking he was trying to take advantage of my stoopidity. Besides, that "911 Porsche" he sold me last month turned out to be a police car. And they wanted it back.

 

[rcmodel]

The actual serial number is the one stamped on the butt, ATH47xx, under the grips and inside the crane cut.

The other numbers inside the crane cut are assembly numbers used by the factory fitters & polishers during assembly and finishing to keep all the parts together after bluing.

They are meaningless to anyone except S&W, and they would have to send someone out to kill you if they told you who's stamps they were, & what they all mean.

rc

 

[Radagast]

Except that the guy who stamped them is probably long gone anyway. S&W stamped a lot of parts, it was away of following parts in the factory. These stampings are called assembly numbers or process numbers and are not recorded after the gun is completed. The serial number is recorded, its always found on the bottom edge of the grip frame (often covered by rubber grips) and on modern guns is also on the inside of the cylinder yoke cut out. On older guns it was sometimes stamped on the cylinder as well. AHT47xx dates your gun to around July 1985. The Model 29-3 was produced from 1982 to 1987.
Factory timber grips often had the serial number stenciled or marked with a grease pencil on the inside face. Hogue grips were offered from 1992.

 

[belercous]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it. I was told this was a 70's gun, but the s/n's don't lie.