Pictured are the various "Number" stampings of two early Model 57's. Both guns shipped in April 1964. The serial numbers are 31 numbers apart sequentially. The first, # S237360 a 6" Blue .41 Magnum; the second, # S237391 a 4" Blue
As has been noted many times on the forum, guns were not shipped nor assembled by S&W in serial # order. This helps to illustrate that fact.

Note the dissimilarities...
6" S237360
* no serial # stamped in the extractor shroud
* rear of cylinder under the extractor is stamped with the serial # without an "S"
* assembly # is stamped on the yoke and the left side of the frame
* serial numbers are not stamped or written on either of the stocks





4" S237391
* the serial # is stamped in the extractor shroud without an "S"
* rear of cylinder under the extractor is not stamped with the serial #
* assembly # is stamped on the yoke and the left side of the frame
* serial numbers are not stamped or written on either of the stocks






* also note that it appears the cylinder yoke is stamped 1st, with the serial # & then with the "MOD" & "57"
* also note that the 6" gun shipped April 1st, 1964 appears to have been double stamped (a 7 over a 6) on the yoke.

The same variation of stamping of the serial number is seen on the Model 29-2, although I have never seen a 41 Magnum with the serial number stamped on the rear, outer surface of the cylinder. Also, by early 1965, the model number was stamped MOD. 57, rather than having the 57 stamped below.

The ampersand roll marked on the frame as part of the four lines is smaller and more rounded than that seen on later Model 57s and is typical of the ampersand roll marked on Model 29-1s and 29-2s in the S227000-S237000 range.

Both the 44 and 41 Magnums have a 0 stamped on the lower left side of the grip frame and appears to be consistent from the beginning of each model.

Bill

I did notice also the SN's are 31 apart but assembly numbers are 334 apart, so that would indicate assembly numbers were shared amongst all models and not frame types like serial numbers. Probably nothing new but thought I would throw it out there anyway.

Curtis...N-frames share the same assembly numbering system. However, it is extremely rare to find consecutive serial numbers with consecutive assembly numbers. I have only seen it once and that is on a pair of 44 Magnums shipped in 1956. I think that is what you meant?

Bill

Doc44; are you aware of any method or reasoning behind the assembly numbers. In the pictured example above, both revolvers were assumed to be assembled in the same time frame, their assembly numbers are?

S237360 = 89155
S237391 = 89489

Were these sequential numbers?
Were they assigned to individual workmen?
Do you know if they are recorded or where?

It would be interesting to know the assembly numbers of other revolvers in this same timeframe or serial number range!

Assembly numbers were assigned sequentially (not sure what the first number is, maybe 100 or 1000) and rolled over every 100,000 numbers. For the N-frame, this occurred at least once around 1960 at approximately serial number S195000. You will note from this, the frames for the early 57s were assigned numbers either out of sequence or the frames are much older than would be expected. It is only the earliest of 57s that have the out of sequence assembly numbers. A Model 57 with a serial number in the S253000 range, shipped in January 1965, has an assembly number in the 47000 range, and that would be expected if the number turned over around 1960 at S195000.

I have chased assembly numbers for the 44 Magnum and have discovered anomalies with the guns in the S130000 range. They should have assembly numbers that are much lower than the 73000-74000 range that is seen.

Assembly numbers can "drive you to to distraction". Been there, done that!!!!!

To my knowledge, they are not recorded anywhere as they were simply an aid used during the manufacturing process.

Bill

Bill,

Thank you...Your knowledge/ experience of the "N" Frames continues to astound me.....!!!

This type of info makes collecting the S&W's just that much more intriging for me!

If I didn't know better, I'd suggest you run for President of the S&WCA!

Quote: Doc44
"I have chased assembly numbers for the 44 Magnum and have discovered anomalies with the guns in the S130000 range. They should have assembly numbers that are much lower than the 73000-74000 range that is seen."

Bill,
Your reply prompted a review of the assembly number on my Pre-29, S160387 shipped in June, '56. It is 75370.

Bill, I guess what I was wondering is if different frame sizes had different assembly number blocks, like each frame shared a serial number block, or was the same block of assembly numbers used for all frames.

It just seemed strange that the guns are so close in serial number, but quite a ways apart in assembly number.

Curtis...different frame sizes have their own assembly number sequence. It is not unusual for consecutive serial numbered guns to be many assembly numbers apart. The assembly number is applied before the serial number and since frames are taken at random for production, it would expected that assembly numbers would be out of order by a few or even several numbers for guns that are close in serial number.

Bill

Doc; Is this then the correct basic/simplified sequence in producing an "N" frame handgun? (obviously there are polishing, finishing, & inspection steps/ stamps left out)

* a series of "N" frames are created & inspected

* they are roll-marked with assembly number

* the frames are placed in a "parts" bin with other "N" frames

* a Serial Number is "hand stamped" on the yoke & grip frame (certain unique, special ordered & blocks of serial #'s are removed for assembly by a specialized assembler)

* the remaining frames are placed in a "parts" bin with other "N" frames

* an assembler (a) receives an order to create 20 Model 57s - while is neighbor (b) might be assembling 35 Model 29's...

* they each work from the same parts bin - accounting for a random mix of serial #'s

* then along come the fellas that either stamp serial #'s on the cylinder while his buddy doesn't? Would this be because the cylinder may need additional work after fitting?

Please advise...
Thanks

J. C. That is probably as good of a description as can be done from what we know and have observed for various models. The main thing is frames were made and fitted with a side plate, numbered with an assembly number, and then when "into a bin" where they were used to make various models. The serial number, being added later, and mixed between models, accounts for the randomization of the numbers. Shipping was done by pulling a gun from inventory without regard for serial number and accounts for lower serial numbers being shipped later than higher ones (perhaps they were on the bottom of the pile).

Bill

Bill
Thanks for clearing that up. I was under the impression the frames got the serial number first, and then the gun was assigned an assembly number when the order came down for a particular model...kinda like a work order number.

Bill,
It appears as though the "Serial #" was stamped "prior" to the "Mod. 57" as the "Serial # appears overstamped. I imagine the "Serial #'s" too might have been stamped prior to Model selection or designation.
The "Serial #" also appears to have been, as expected hand stamped with individual die. The "Mod." appears as a single well-aligned stamp. The "57" - I'm not sure about.

The other curious pieces / question(s) for me are; why the extractor shroud and/ or the cylinder is stamped on one and not the other on these early 57s?

(Makes collecting S&W's just a little more interesting!)