I've had a New Model 3 for some time and I have a question about it's serial numbers.
Originally blue it was professionally refinished nearly 50 years ago. I thought the gunsmith must have polished off the serial number from bottom of butt. At the time I didn't care if he did or not, but now I'm not sure. It carries a low number of 52xx on all other parts. Finding no number on frame and wondering how he could polish it off with all other lettering very plain and clear and with the bottom of the old ivory grips matching up completely with butt, I looked it over hard.
I found a star and possibly a double digit number between the locking lugs of frame. I know Smith puts a star on rebuilt, repaired pieces, but do they do it in that location as well? I'm puzzled by this.
10/22