Manufacture Date?

Wiregrassguy · #1 08-23-2012, 01:27 PM

I just purchased at auction a nickel pre model 10 SB with serial 4608XX. Can someone give me an approximate manufacture date? I know it was before '57 cause there is no model # stamped in the crane.

Thanks,

DCWilson · #2 08-23-2012, 01:50 PM

There is a C prefix to that serial number, I presume? If so, you are probably looking at 1958 or 1959, and that would be one of the last non-model-marked Pre-10s. Some model-marked guns are known with serial numbers 3000-4000 lower than that one. There was probably a transitional range where the guns may have been model marked or not. Or possibly you got a gun that was intended to get a model stamp but simply missed it when the gun was on the assembly floor.

Goony · #3 08-23-2012, 02:05 PM

If there's no "C" prefix, it'd date to about 1924. How about posting some photos to assist us in accurately assessing your purchase?

Wiregrassguy · #4 08-23-2012, 02:34 PM

There is no C or other letter prefix, just 6 numbers. It is a 2" snubby square butt and looks in very good condition. Sorry, I don't have the gun yet so can't post any pictures but you can see the auction pictures here. It is possible the gun is that old and has been refinished.

DCWilson · #5 08-23-2012, 02:59 PM

I assumed too much. The frame is definitely mid-20s, but the barrel is postwar. Probably the gun got a barrel swap with a refinish sometime in the last half century. The stocks are post 1968 -- PC magnas.

Though that is not original configuration, the gun will be a fine shooter. I consider the prewar long action a plus. (Others favor the postwar short action; differences of opinion are what make horse races..)

Wiregrassguy · #6 08-23-2012, 03:13 PM

Thanks, David. I was looking for a carry snubby. So, a barrel swap is not a problem for me. It comes with 2 speed loaders for those days when the zombies are plentiful and fast.

I'll take the grips off when I get it and see if the frame is marked as refinished by S&W. There are no markings near the serial numbers.

handejector · #7 08-23-2012, 03:53 PM

Hard to tell from those pics, but I doubt it is refinished.
Definitely rebarreled.
Correct on mid 20's

Wiregrassguy · #8 08-23-2012, 04:06 PM

So this frame is a 1905 4th change HE. My standard catalog of handguns says it was available with a 2" barrel. I see the ramp front sight and the straight ejector rod. If the barrel was original, it would have a half penny front sight and a mushroom ejector knob...right? When did the snubbies first come out...30's? The seller says he bought the gun from an old man who had it for a long time. If the nickel is original, he really really took good care of it.

handejector · #9 08-24-2012, 09:23 AM

The first 2" barrels were not forged till June, 33.
ALL 2" guns had a straight ejector rod with no knob. You need the extra length to eject.

Check the Notable thread Index-
A Quest Fulfilled... (2" Pre-War M&P's)

2 inch, Pre-war M&P observation

Rairity and Value - PreWar 2" M&P

Wiregrassguy · #10 08-24-2012, 11:49 AM

Thanks, Lee.