I have a 22/32 with serial 138471, nothing on the wooden butt - all looks original except front sight blade was replaced. Would like to know its authentcity and value. Has patent numbers on barrel, 5 screws.DSC00533.jpg

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Yojimbo78,

First of all...Welcome to the Forum!!

Secondly...Quite a First Posting you've made!! Reason being...Not only have you acquired one from the First Production Run of these .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Revolvers produced...But it is indeed one of the 294 shipped to Philip Bekeart's Shop in 1911!! Yours being shipped on June 22nd,1911 in the 2nd Order of 60 Revolvers shipped to him...Exc. Acquisition!!

Now as to why there isn't a No. stamped on the Base of the Grip, I'd venture to say they were most likely changed out sometime in the past given there should be one indicating which Revolver this was in order of assembly...Being what the Stock No. indicates!! Example...Should it have No. 707 stamped there as mine does...This would indicate it was the 707th one of these Revolvers assembled!!

It also looks to be in excellent condition which leads me to asking this question!! It's hard to see in the Photo...But do I see a Diamond Stamp just forward of the Serial No. on the Barrel Flat?? If so, you might want to remove the Grips & look to see if there is a Date Code stamped on the Left side of the Frame looking something like this...(10.22)...or the like!!

Also look to see if there is a Star stamped alongside the Serial No. on the Forestrap which would at least indicate it was returned to S&W at one time or another for some sort of Service Work...Possibly a Refinish given the condition it looks to exhibit!! Not saying it was...But certainly possible & could also explain the reason why there isn't a No. stamped on the Grips as they may have been replaced!!

And last of all...What leads you to believe the Frt. Sight Blade has been replaced because it looks Correct from what I can see??

Let us know your findings concerning what I've asked & we'll continue on from there!! Again...A Very Nice Acquisition!!

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Masterpiece

On barrel flat - a diamond and a B in front on that - on the handle near the forward bottom is 8-21 and another diamond. I will try to get a better picture. I thought the ones from the 294 were continuous numbers ... there is ALSO a number on the handle near the top forward that looks like 68. Again, I shall post a better photo if I can. Wife has the better camera for the weekend.

I got a better light and the number near the left top looks like 68, and there IS a star after the serial number on the front part of the handle.

Is is likely the Gun was Factory refinished in August(8) of 1921(21).The B<> is for a Blued refinish...Usually.

Actually, I believe the Diamond Stamps in this case have a twofold meaning!! Reason being...With a high degree of certainty...The Revolver had the Barrel replaced as well as being refinished at that time & is why the Diamonds are on both the Barrel & Frame...Along with the Rework Star on the Forestrap!!

Evidence of the Barrel Replacement being...The Barrel is rollmarked Smith & Wesson on the Left Side & the Caliber Designation is on the Right which came to be right in the general time period this was returned...The Early Barrels having only the Caliber Designation stamped on the Left Side & the Right Side is blank!!

It also exhibits the slightly lesser High Polish Finish that has been observed on some of these in that period...For only a very short time...Before they finally went back to the Highly Polish Finish most often encountered!!

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Masterpiece

Wow. There is so much to know in tracking down the history - you have convinced me it is worthwhile to consult Jinks to get an official history. Thank you for your insights! This was an unexpected surprise.

Yojimbo78

Well you made me look. My guns all comply with your comments. I have a 1903 No Change with no S&W barrel stamping, just caliber marking. I have both a 6" 1903 and a 22/32 HFT that have gone back to the factory and received the newer style barrels stamped as you indicate . . . Interesting.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Just as an FYI, I own 138,266 which is from the first Bekeart shipment and was the 22nd gun assembled. It has S&W on the left and the .22 caliber designation on the right.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Hi James,

I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised to hear Yours...Being that early...Has both (S&W & 22 LONG RIFLE CTG) on the Barrel given most...If Not All...I can recollect observing that early on have the Caliber Designation on the Left Side "Only"...Hmmm!!

And if memory serves..Some were even up into the Early 200,000 Serial No. Range...Quite Odd!!

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Masterpiece

MP, I own 6. 138,266 is as stated above. 138,289/289 is 22 left side, nothing right side, 163,467 is .22 left side, nothing right side, 270,836 is S&W left side, .22 right side, 384,570 is S&W left side, .22 right side, and lastly 488,263 is S&W left side, .22 right side.

All have small S&W logos on the left side except one that has no logo at all.

Hope that helps.

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James Redfield
LM #497

James,

All of those you've posted...With the exception of 138,266/22 shipped to Philip Bekeart...Exhibit Barrel Markings in Serial No. Ranges consistent with what I've ever encountered!!

As to when the change occurred...I believe it was sometime shortly after WWI ended when these starting showing up with Both Sides of the Barrel being marked...Really hard to narrow down by Serial No. though given how all over the place some of these shipped!!

Now as to which one lacks a Trademark Logo of any kind...Small on Left or Slightly Larger on Sideplate...Would it by chance be Serial No. 270,836??

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Masterpiece