Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
....
Highly likely it shipped in ~Sept. 1998.
However, S&W did not ship their guns in serial # order!
|
That’s the key on these. All frames were manufactured and serialed in 1896/97, which is why BATFE accepts the whole model range as antiques, regardless of shipping date. The guns were then assembled pretty much in random order as orders came in.
I had 2324, shipped in Dec. 1899, and still have 11057, shipped in May 1900. In the database there is 8503 which shipped as early as March 1897. Extrapolating is pretty pointless; a letter is the only way to be sure.
PS: I think Jim meant 1898
PPS: Here is the info thread if anyone needs a refresher:
Important Information for Model 1896 Owners