I've been reading a lot of posts to find the answers to a couple of things I've always wondered. Newer revolvers show the serial number on the frame where the (yoke, is it?) closes. Does anyone know when they began this practice (as opposed to what I write below)?
The hand ejectors I have show serial numbers on the bottom of the butt frame, the inside/rear edge of the cylinder, and underneath the barrel (with cylinder opened). I understand the number inside the frame at the yoke spot on these revolvers is an assembly number (where serial numbers are today). What is an assembly number? Does anyone understand what they represent (what is the code?) or are the factory numbers assigned more or less randomly?
I just picked up a nice hand ejector, model 1905, in 32-20 CTG (on bbl). Ser nr is 111873. Assy nr is 66270. Penciled inside the removed stock is 1873.
How are you guys determining year of manufacture? I'm guessing this one is a fourth change, from the late '20s.What do you think?
Thanks, in advance, for the education!