I have what I believe is a .32 Hand Ejector 3rd model (not sure). It's blue has a 3 1/4 in barrel with wood round butt non-medallion grips. The serial number is 4070XX right grip is penciled with the matching serial number. I don't know the year of manufacture however, my guess would be in the mid to late 30's. If that is the case shouldn't the grip serial number be stamped?
Your #4070XX, per my database, was most likely shipped near the end of 1925 and therefore would have a penciled stock #.
• Stamped since 1857, stock serial #s, always right side only, changed to penciled #s c. 1900 and back to stamped #s in 1929. Scratched, penciled or stamped on hard rubber grips and sometimes premium grips (1893 - ivory or pearl were offered but not stamped); stock numbering finally discontinued ~ late 1970s.
• Stamped since 1857, stock serial #s, always right side only, changed to penciled #s c. 1900 and back to stamped #s in 1929. Scratched, penciled or stamped on hard rubber grips and sometimes premium grips (1893 - ivory or pearl were offered but not stamped); stock numbering finally discontinued ~ late 1970s.[/quote]
Thank you for all the info on the history of S&W stamped or penciled grips. Extremely beneficial and I will keep if for future reference.
Grip, Penciled Or Stamped?
Linear Mode
