Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt
"The top of the barrel is stamped with: "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass, USA Patented Dec.17.1901.Feb.6.1906.Sep 14 1909""
Would that be correct for a Third Model replacement barrel?
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Yes, but depends on when it was replaced. In 12/50 when that barrel was likely replaced at the factory, a pre war barrel with patent dates was still available.
I have a 1940 vintage 3rd model original 4" (according to letter) with no patent dates. It also has a star on the butt and a rework date of 8/53.
However the barrel and the frame are also both stamped with an 'O' for the Outside Repair Department at Smith & Wesson which preceded the S for Service Dept. when the Outside Repair Department was moved into the plant.
Therefore my barrel was replaced at the factory with a post war 4” barrel which has no patent dates and is numbered to the frame.
The OP’s barrel will most likely have an O stamped in the shroud following the serial #, and on the left side of the grip frame at the heel under the stock.