Were early New Century triple lock revolvers marked in any way with a "B' for blue or an "N" for nickel as were the second models? I have a very early 4 digit serial numbered gun that has a star on the butt with a return date of 3.28. It has a small "p"in a circle on the same side of the butt as the return date. The gun is nickel.

I have seen this P in a Circle One other time,It was on a Nickel 3rd Model .44 with a date stamp on the Left side of the Frame.Does Anyone know what it means? To the OP,Sometimes there is a "B" or a "N" on the Right side of the Frame by the Stock locating Pin,Check there.

My knee-jerk response was going to be YES----ABSOLUTELY!! Then I figured somebody would ask where. So I looked. Sure enough----TL #3976, shipped February 23, 1909 has a 'B' on the cylinder (under the ejector star), another on the grip frame (right side---about 2:00 o'clock by the grip pin (or whatever).

Do I get a cookie?

Ralph Tremaine

AND---it has another one on the barrel----well and truly hidden in front of the serial number----which is also well and truly hidden.

P in a circle (sometimes a square) indicates it was re-finished/plated when it went back to the factory in '28.

The 'B's in various locations verify that it originally left the factory as a blued gun. If its original finish had been Nickel plate from the factory, it would have 'N's stamped where ever you find 'B's.

B or N stamps are very common on pre war guns and into the early post war years.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Often, you find a "B" stamped in front of the barrel serial of blued revolvers and NO letter prefix in front of the barrel serial number of the nickel revolvers.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Great info Jim! I never knew the P in a Circle was a refinish Mark.It must have only been used for a very short Time.

Sometimes letters in a rectangle or diamond, B (blue), N (nickel), or S (standard/blue) with an R (for refinish), on 'heel' of left side of grip frame. There might also be marks in diamonds like <S> (silver), <G> (gold), or a P (plated) with a circle. In the 1960s period, an S<> on grip frame and under barrel with a rework date meant refinish, standard (blue). Which stamping was used depended on the time frame and service technician working on the gun.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

I have re-examined the barrel shroud with a good jeweler's glass and can see the serial number 2187, but there is no N or B anywhere on the gun. I can only assume it came out of the factory as nickel and was renickeled, ie., the P in a circle. The 3 line barrel address is still legible but the caliber line is faded. It needs another nickel job. Only a letter from Roy will tell. It also looks like the barrel is about 4cm short of being 5". I appreciate everyone's input and will be sending for a letter this week. Thanks!