How would these be marked around 1955? Penciled number inside left grip?

TIA

I may be wrong, but I think very few were marked at all, and the ones that were had the serial number stamped/embossed on the inside of one of the grip panels. I am sure the experts will correct me if I am wrong.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

They should be stamped on the right side panel. I've owned three and all three were stamped...although this appears to be counter-trend because many aren't marked.

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Beau
SWCA #3106 - SWHF #643

Good to know, now I can sell the grips separate with a clear conscience.

My pre-28 has non relieved targets that had serial number stamped on right grip that matched the gun.

Not all Non relieved targets are serial stamped, I own 2 sets of K's and 2 sets of N's and non are stamped.
IMO the pencil serial was added by a previous owner

I think that is a good point. Penciling in a serial number (or changing a penciled in one to suit your fancy) would not exactly have to be performed by a rocket scientist. Yet people place soooo much faith in these ...

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You're shy a few manners.

I have yet to see a "Target" stock that was numbered. Very few were, as no fitting was required.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I can agree with that to a point but, after you have looked at a lot of them the home owner specials kind of stick out.

Sort of like the end labels and grease penciled boxes.

These grips have been on my bucket list. I would like to grab a set of these one day. I like the non-relief look. I have seen a few in the past. I just saw a set on Ebay for 275.00 .. Not sure if that is a " good " price. Thought it was a bit high.

Brian

I recently sold a set of nice N frame non-relieved on Ebay for $325.. to a dealer that now has them listed for $400+.
BTW: they were factory stamped with a serial number. The number wasn't the M-28 they came on.

I've sold three sets all with some handling wear, some small scratches or dents on the base and got $235, $200, the worst set auctioned for $120. Like guns it is all about the condition and truly mint sets can bring $100 more. SDH's set I watched on eBay sell for $310 and is a very nice set. That's about what I expect for an excellent to new set. That being said I always thought these stocks were a value because they can be just as nice as Cokes and were made for a shorter time frame yet be bought for $200-300 regularly. Meanwhile Cokes bring $275-600.

Clearly not factory marking which is exclusively on the right stock only; one of the few things about Smiths that I've never seen vary.

Penciled # on wood stocks was eliminated 1929, then stamped for the duration until the late 1970s early1980s when all stock numbering ended.

Estimates run about 95% of target stocks not serial numbered.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have 4 sets of K and 2 sets for N and none are numbered.

My recollection is that typically they are not marked unless the gun was special ordered with target stocks. Then the number was added to keep the stocks with the frame.

I could be wrong. I thought that I was wrong once before but I was mistaken.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Thanks for correcting me on the price Hoosier.
Have you found those grips now dealer priced?

The non-relieved usually run just a bit smaller than cokes, IIRC.
I've had both K and N non-relieved but still prefer magnas and a T-Tyler for shooting.

I have a Combat Masterpiece that is MIB that came with and lettered with a set of non relieved walnut targets. They are not numbered. The revolver also was shipped with a target hammer and the letter states the target trigger was not available at that time. The original numbered K38 Masterpiece over labeled box has all this info grease penciled on it. 11-1953 was the shipping date. Big Larry

This was all discussed in the past at great detail and I will try to find the thread. Most of the non-relieved (NR) targets were used on Pre-25 and Model 25s as well as some 27's, 28's and any special orders. IIRC a certain amount of serial number NR Targets were stamped for the "new" .44 Magnum Pre-29s, BUT they used relieved target stocks aka "Cokes" with larger checkering pattern and Cocobolo/Goncalo Alve wood on those stocks. The supply of serial numbered (and generally Walnut) NR Stocks were used up on model 25s and other models. IMO this is a logical explanation for a good portion of the serial numbered NR Targets we see today. It is also a reason why you should not be concerned owning a Pre-25, 25 with non-matching NR Target Stocks as they very well could be original from the factory that way!

This thread has gotten confusing with references of K and N frame targets. Apples to Oranges in my opinion. But serial numbered K-frame NR Targets are scarce as well.