"S" vs. "N" serial numbers....

[G-Mac]

Would you pay more for a gun that had an "S" serial number? Let's say you were looking at a nice 28-2....how much more $$$ would an "S" bring over an "N"?

[Culina]

If they were in the same condition, I would could $50-$100 more for an S prefix. In fact my first 28-2 was an N prefix and I replaced it a couple years later for a much nicer S prefix, and it cost me $50 more than the first one.

[flundertaker]

Depends on if I am buying or selling ;-)

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[Engine49guy]

IMO it isnt the serial prefix it is the diamond grips,
Problem is there were S serial frames that came with non diamond grips for like 3 years.

So I would put a small premium on an S serial 27 or 28 with original diamond targets or Magnas but a 1967 / 68/ 69 non diamond S serial gun is no different than a 1970 N serial gun IMO.

[XTrooper]

Since I'm not a collector, no.

[Rapidray]

The S will, as far as I know, have the lazy amperstand on the barrel and on the frame. It is the first thing I look at when looking at S&W! I like it for the looks alone and I believe the S is better fitted and better workmanship. And yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! so yes I would pay more up to $100.

[fyimo]

They seem to run $50-$100 more especially if they have the diamond magna grips and they are in the same condition. I would place the price at $550.

[George_in_SD]

I would certainly pay a premium for an S prefix, the exact amount would depend on the configuration and the total package (Grips, box, tools, widgets, barrel length, etc.).

[dotdsd334]

All other things equal the S is worth more in my eyes. Diamond magnas ( in most cases) and just earlier. Just a preference I suppose.


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[jw mathews]

If memory serves, the N-prefix series began after the 1968 Gun Control Act took effect in Dcember of that year. Prior to that law, there were duplicate serial numbers on different models (frame sizes) of S&W revolvers. Before that law, other model prefixes were changed when serials reached 999999 (Example: K-frame M&P numbers ran consecutively from 1899 to ca 1941-42 when the V-prefix came in), but that never happened with the N-frame guns. Without the SCSW book in hand, I don't recall how high the plain numbers went before the addition of the improved safety block when N-frame manufacture resumed after WW2, but the only difference was the S-prefix indicating the safety block. The digits just continued on where the prewar digits ended.

The only differences between N frame guns with the different prefixes would be in the fit/finish quality of any individual revolver, type of grips (with or w/o diamonds as discussed in posts above), or possibility of certain model dash number suffixes existing in one serial number series but not the other.

But within the same model (& dash suffix) number, there would be no mechanical difference between a high number S-prefix and a low number N-prefix. So the decision to pay more for an S-prefix depends on the buyer's desires.

[Old TexMex]

Yes, 10-15% more, all else being equal.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Originally Posted by Rapidray

The S will, as far as I know, have the lazy amperstand on the barrel and on the frame. It is the first thing I look at when looking at S&W! I like it for the looks alone and I believe the S is better fitted and better workmanship. And yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! so yes I would pay more up to $100.

My 19-3 has that and it's one of my favorite little things about that revolver. I'll probably never get it refinished, even at S&W because I'm afraid they might re-stamp it and those will go bye-bye.

[jjbrewst1]

From a quote from Doc 44. Read below. And a FYI. The S Serial didn't run out and they changed to the N. There was a Act passed thru the Govt that mandated the change.

Hope this helps

The last serial number beginning with the letter S is S333454 and was shipped in late 1969. The N prefix serial numbers followed and I believe the first production run using the new series was a run of Model 28-2s in early 1970 (N1 is a 28-2 as is N925...the latter was shipped in May 1970).

N3 is a 29-2, N25 is a Model 25-2, and N27 is a 27-2, but these numbers were reserved for these particular guns and made at different times. I don't know if N29 is a Model 29-2, but it would be neat is if it is.

[Rapidray]

Originally Posted by RIDE-RED 350r

My 19-3 has that and it's one of my favorite little things about that revolver. I'll probably never get it refinished, even at S&W because I'm afraid they might re-stamp it and those will go bye-bye.

I know exactly how you feel! Keep it and enjoy it.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Rapidray

The S will, as far as I know, have the lazy amperstand on the barrel and on the frame.

I didn't know that! I read that and thought, "What's he talking about?" So I went and looked at my 28-2s, and sure enough, there on my S-numbered 4-inch is the lazy ampersand, and it isn't on the N-numbered one. The things you learn hanging out on this forum!

One other thing I noticed. The "Smith & Wesson" on the barrel of the 4-inch is in larger letters than on the 6-inch N-numbered one. So what's the story on the letter size...do you know? Is it that way on all models, and is it year- or serial number-related? Just curious.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Also found on older Smiths with the "lazy ampersand".. On the left side of the barrel where is says "Smith & Wesson", if you look closely the ampersand is actually an 8c stamped in such a way that the lowercase "C" touches the bottom of the 8 looking like an ampersand.

Both of these little things were brought to my attention by a member who determined the ship date of my 19-3 for me.

[Rapidray]

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

I didn't know that! I read that and thought, "What's he talking about?" So I went and looked at my 28-2s, and sure enough, there on my S-numbered 4-inch is the lazy ampersand, and it isn't on the N-numbered one. The things you learn hanging out on this forum!

One other thing I noticed. The "Smith & Wesson" on the barrel of the 4-inch is in larger letters than on the 6-inch N-numbered one. So what's the story on the letter size...do you know? Is it that way on all models, and is it year- or serial number-related? Just curious.

Sorry, I can not help you there on the larger letters...but I will be looking for that now!

[Hercules7]

Hello!
I have an interesting .38 that I will sell.
It is all factory Gold (wash?, plate?, has Pearl handles, Rubies on both sides of the fancy handle screw, has an S serial number (S 882875) and has been fired. It has fixed front sight and slotted rear.
It is a FIVE INCH (5") barrel.
All I could find is that it is 1945 to 1948, but no values for the special manufacturing - Gold, Pearl, Ruby and S serial number.

Right side of barrel reads: 38 S. & W. Special CTG

Top of barrel reads:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A
Patented Feb.6.06. Sept.14.09. Dec.29.14

Left side of barrel reads: SMITH & WESSON

My question is: HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?
Is there an archive or a place to get a factory letter like there is for Winchesters?

I appreciate all of you S&W expert collectors for your time and interest in helping me!

[Babysitr]

For me, probably,but not much....those diamond targets, now things change!

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by Hercules7

I have an interesting .38 that I will sell.

I'd sell it too, but I would not expect to get much money for it.

has an S serial number (S 882875)

It is from about April, 1947.

Sorry to tell you this but all that bling is aftermarket. There is no "special manufacturing" about it. Whoever told you it was "all factory" was not telling you the truth.

Yes, you can purchase a letter from the S&W Historical Foundation. They cost $100. There is a link on this website that will take you to the form. My advice is save your money. The letter will indicate this is a run-of-the-mill postwar M&P with a 5" barrel. It almost certainly was blue when it left the factory and it shipped to a distributor somewhere in this country.

[Art Doc]

Identical examples? No more. Unless the S model was old enough to have diamond Magnas then it's worth $100 more for the stocks.