Assuming that they started at number 1, what would the range be for the year 1899? Were the .38 Specials and .32-20s numbered differently?

Thanks!

The reported number of 1899s is just under 21,000, built between that year and 1902. Therefore, would it be safe to assume one under SN 5500 was shipped in 1899? Nope .

S & W never shipped in SN order, and there are plenty of examples of guns that 'should' have shipped in a given year to have left the factory months, years and (occasionally) decades later than a predicted date. A gun might be produced, boxed, stuck on a shelf in the vault and other guns put in front of it, all leaving until the earlier one was found later and sent out. On the plus side, if you have 1899 serial number 2, I would guess that left in 1899 .

The .38s and .32-20s were numbered in different series. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Alan,
I found #3443 in .38 Special for sale. I'd be all over it IF it was a 1st year..... I guess only a letter will tell the tale!

Thanks for the reply,
Charles

A definite maybe on 1899 . Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If price was right I’d buy it. Very cool gun. Imagine all that came after was the same basic design. You can even see similarities in the 500 design. All that history. Older than some states.

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No gold. Only lead. Bobby

3443 is likely to have been manufactured during the first full year of production. But when it comes to shipping, not necessarily. SN 35xx (.38 Special) was shipped in 6/1900.

Hope you'll let us know what you decide.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I have No. 1923, it shipped in December 1899. But it is a Target Model, so it probably went out a little later than others.

Bruce

With all due respect, what's that supposed to mean?

As previously discussed, these were not shipped in sequential order. Having said that, I would pay a substantial premium for serial number 1, somewhat less of a premium for a single digit serial number, a small premium for a two digit serial number. Once the serial number reaches 3 digits, if offered two identical firearms with regards to condition, one having 3 digits and one having 4/5 digits, I would pick the one with 3 digits more as a curiosity than anything, but I wouldn't pay any sort of premium for the firearm.

Once serial number 3443 is reached, it boils down to condition and price. Is the price reasonable for the condition? Is the condition worthy of the calibre of my collection and/or is it reasonably likely that I might find one in similar condition for less or is it reasonably likely that I might find one in better condition for not substantially much more money?

If you want a Model 1899 made in that year it will be tough to determine, since the company logs used ship dates and not manufacture dates. This model did go out the door pretty much in serial number order, since it was very popular, being the first 38 caliber hand ejector. The serial numbers are pretty much in order, mainly because they sold as quickly as they were made.

You will only know if a revolver in the mid-3000s was shipped in the first year of production by a letter. Given that there are very close numbers to yours having shipped in 1900, I would not place any bets on the year. If you want a first year 1899, stay under 3000 to be sure and maybe lower. I found a high 3 digit numbered gun that shipped in September 1899.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Based solely on known SN shipping dates, it is very nearly a certainty that 3443 was not one of those which shipped in 1899. As previously stated, I don't believe that fact makes much difference in its current desirability or value. Its condition would mean much more.