To determine if a well worn Pre 27 ever went back to the mother ship for T L C what stampings should I expect to find under the grips etc? Will a factory letter reveal any and all changes/ updates that were made? I can already feel that dreaded virus for model 27s began to effect me, I hope it does not get any worse, those babies are expensive! I know you S&W hounds want pictures (lots of pictures) but at this time I only hope this post goes through to the correct outfit. I should say this is a recent find at an estate auction so I have no history of its life up till now though I promise a great retirement to the pasture with occasional romps at the range. Already bought the S&W book 3rd edition that lets me know its SN range S 77xxx puts its birth some time in the 1950s. You guys are the best!!! Regards,Graham

Graham,
Usually factory rework information will not show up when requesting a letter. Rework markings can vary but a refinish is often shown as an "R-S" for standard refinish or "R-N" if refinished from blue to nickel. Refinished guns also usually have a diamond stamped on most parts to properly match them back up after refinishing. If other work was done there will be markings like the diamond on single parts. All factory work also will be represented with a date stamped on the frame under the left grip panel. It is usually a digit for the month and 2 digits for the year. So 272 would be Feb 1972 or 1074 would be October 1974. I personally have a thing for factory reworked guns and a factory refinished gun can almost be as nice as original finish.

Thanks dacoontz, after a relook at the grip frame I see exactly what you described. The diamond shape has an upper case B just above it and I see the number 259 stamped vertically just down from the strain screw. If 259 means it was reworked in the factory in 1959 and the S/n indicates 1950to 53 Mfgr. I doubt it went back for a reblue. At any rate I have had it to the range and all systems were perfect both single and double action although the cylinder to cone gap seems to be very close. On another matter I notice you are a member of the SWCA, would you PM me with some details about becoming a member? Now I will try to give you a rest from answering all my questions !! Regards,Graham