Serial number?

Emstfpd · #1 01-13-2013, 01:28 AM

I have received a Mod 36 that has an odd serial number, any information on this revolver would be greatly appreciated.

471J33 is stamped on the bottom of the grip.
50690 is stamped inside the yoke below the MOD.36 stamp.

Every reference I have found says the number on the bottom of the grip is the serial number, but then shouldn't the "J" be in front of the number?

Alk8944 · #2 01-13-2013, 01:34 AM

1972 was the year of the "Floating J". It can appear just about anywhere in the SN. The highest that is generally recognized is 999J***

murphydog · #3 01-13-2013, 01:35 AM

Welcome! This one is from 1971-'72, starting with 1J1 and ending with 999J99 and a maximum of 5 numbers and the J, called the "floating J" series. Hope this is helpful.

Emstfpd · #4 01-13-2013, 12:39 PM

Yes, thank you very much, this was very helpful.

Was the 71-72 years the only time that they used a floating letter identification in the serial number, would that effect the value or rarity?

This particular revolver was given to me by a good friend after her husband passed away. She insisted that I have it, says she is getting to old to use a pistol and has her trusted rifle if she needs a gun. Need to decide if it will be a shooter or colector

JP@AK · #5 01-13-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emstfpd

Was the 71-72 years the only time that they used a floating letter identification in the serial number

Yes.

Quote:

would that effect the value or rarity?

No.

If it were mine, I would be shooting it. You can use it quite a bit and still keep it looking very nice with proper care. Lots of these were made and, while some are collectible, they are not gold. They will go up in value, but this one is not likely to set the collector world on fire. Use it, care for it, enjoy it!

Jack

hotrod150 · #6 01-15-2013, 12:48 AM

SCSW says that a floating j s/n series with 4 or 5 digits was used in 1971-72, and a floating j s/n series with 6 digits in 1982-83.

JP@AK · #7 01-15-2013, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrod150

SCSW says that a floating j s/n series with 4 or 5 digits was used in 1971-72, and a floating j s/n series with 6 digits in 1982-83.

Well yes, with a but . . .
As I understand it, the '82-83 J did not really "float." They were issued consecutively, as in 1J with five digits, 2J with five digits, 3J with five digits, etc.
So it was a bit different.
And, of course, the order followed by serial number assignments did not result in the same sequence being followed by the shipping department. As always, revolvers were not shipped in serial order.
Anyway, that is how I understand it. I'm sure if this is not correct, someone with more knowledge than I have will correct me.
Jack