Quote:
Originally Posted by LWCmdr45
zonker5,
Based on the database, both of these probably shipped from the S&W factory in late 1943: V451323 in November and V474904 in December.
*Which* one has the "U.S. PROPERTY" top strap marking? (Both likely had the marking originally, before the refinishing.)
In this period, the "P" proof usually appears in three places: in addition to the underside of the barrel, which you've mentioned, there were probably "P" markings removed from the upper left of the frame and the rear of the cylinder.
The removal of the serial numbers from the butts was a major faux pas. While the numbers remain on the barrels and cylinders, it is the number on the *frame* (i.e., the butt) that is the true serial number.
Steve
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V451323 has a faint "US Property" on the top strap. The markings on the barrel are also faint. V474094 has nothing on the top strap and the barrel marking are much crisper.
The P marking does appear on the rear of the cylinder. I agree about the sn but that was done a bit before my time
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-Z-