pre lock 627-PC serial#1 UPDATED 2-21-17

[guskody]

Hello forum members,

I edited my original post to keep these newly posted photos at the top of the thread.

recently, I was incredibly lucky to get my hands on a pre lock 627 snubbie.

I won this at auction (during a week day in the afternoon, so less competition, I suspect). As a small time collector, I was just grateful to have won this to add to my modest group of revolvers.

Then I had a pleasant surprise when I went to see the revolver at my FFL.

it had a serial number of 1

This was all over lunch and I didn't have time to do any research. I did make a quick post here on the forum to inquire about the production batches of the pre lock 627 snubbies.

Several fine forum members immediately confirmed there were three production batches and listed the three serial number pre-fixes along with production quantities of each.

As you could expect, I was smiling even more after getting that confirmation

so this one was looking very much like #1 of the #1 batch

and yes it is

I received the letter from Earl at Lew Horton (great guy and incredible resource BTW) confirming this 627-PC was indeed part of Lew's personal collection.

I know this #1 isn't any prettier than a later serial number and this #1 won't shoot any better than a later serial number, but it is still fun to have #1.

thanks for letting me share.

[Kernel Crittenden]

I think it was MCDxxxx that was the second batch, and the JBS was the third. They were all Lew Horton, and all product code 170133.

HMA (155) December 1998.
MCD (150) June 1999.
JBS (147) September 2000.

Some normal give or take on the ship dates. All info based on my own observations (which include Lew Horton letters I've seen), not the SCoSW.

[guskody]

hello Kernel,

i wasn't aware of there being three batches and MCD series production group.

thanks again for your wealth of information. you are a huge asset to this forum and to all of us.

i appreciate it.

[florange]

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

I think it was MCDxxxx that was the second batch, and the JBS was the third. They were all Lew Horton, and all product code 170133.

HMA (155) December 1998.
MCD (150) June 1999.
JBS (147) September 2000.

Some normal give or take on the ship dates. All info based on my own observations (which include Lew Horton letters I've seen), not the SCoSW.

Just to confirm Kernel comments, my 627-PC (American Historical engraved) has a HMA prefix and was shipped December 23, 1998, to Lew Horton Co.

[BRatliff]

According to the letter I received from Lew Horton there were 444 units produced in three separate runs. They were shipped between Dec. 1998 to Dec. 2000.

HMA S/N prefix 155 units shipped Dec. 1998 to Jan. 2000

MCD S/N prefix 164 units shipped May 1999 to Jan. 2000

JBS S/N prefix 125 units shipped Sept. 2000 to Dec. 2000

I believe the HMA prefix guns were marked as 627-PC, while the MCD and JBS prefix guns were marked 627-3. I have in my collection JBS0022 and JBS0055, not especially low S/N's, but I am glad to have them. They are the pair in the rear in this photo of my UDR'S. Not the greatest picture however, probably need to have the grand kids take them for me!!

Best regards, Bob.

[guskody]

Thanks for sharing, Bob.

Absolutely beautiful collection.

[Clarke Hammer]

Originally Posted by BRatliff

According to the letter I received from Lew Horton there were 444 units produced in three separate runs. They were shipped between Dec. 1998 to Dec. 2000.

HMA S/N prefix 155 units shipped Dec. 1998 to Jan. 2000

MCD S/N prefix 164 units shipped May 1999 to Jan. 2000

JBS S/N prefix 125 units shipped Sept. 2000 to Dec. 2000

I believe the HMA prefix guns were marked as 627-PC, while the MCD and JBS prefix guns were marked 627-3. I have in my collection JBS0022 and JBS0055, not especially low S/N's, but I am glad to have them. They are the pair in the rear in this photo of my UDR'S. Not the greatest picture however, probably need to have the grand kids take them for me!!

Best regards, Bob.

Wow, what a collection!

[guskody]

Here's why I posted my original question about the serial number groups a few days back:

I got about as lucky on this one that you could possibly ever be.

I purchased a pre lock 627 UDR on auction. I was just grateful one came up for sale and that I was fortunate enough to win.

Didn't know if it was a -PC or a -3 and really didn't care. Was just happy to get it.

Went to my FFL to check it out upon arrival and complete the paperwork and here's what I saw:

Couldn't believe it.

The first serial number from the first group

I have since called Lew Horton and a letter is on its way.

Sorry I don't have any other photos yet, but I'll take some outdoors as soon as weather and time permit.

I know it doesn't looking any prettier or won't shoot any better than #100 or #155 or any other serial number UDR, but its super cool to know its #1.

I am a lucky S&W fan.

[CH4]

Very cool!

I wish mine was a pre-lock. Anyone know where I can find 2 IL plugs?

[basskinginthesun]

very Nice indeed, I would say a very good find, I have some Lew Horton guns that are lettered and they say SN 1 was part of LEWS personal collection, He kept all sn 1 for his collection it states in the letter until he sold it off sometime later , dont know when it was, I would have to go back and look at the letter , but think it wasnt till after the UDR came along . very cool indeed, let us know what the letter says, Earl is generally really fast.... CONGRATS!!

[Kernel Crittenden]

0001 is very cool. Number one. Very lucky to get that.

You don't see them very often, but S&W does on occasion use 0000 for s/n suffixes.

Whether 0000 come one before 0001, or nine thousand nine hundred and ninety nine after, is up for discussion.

[BRatliff]

Congrats on a major score! I have only seen one other Lew Horton S/N 0001, belongs to a forum member here. No doubt part of Lew's personal collection. I'm sure Earl will get the details to you in short order, he is a great guy to deal with. The 64 dollar question, did you buy a lottery ticket on your way home from your FFL?

Best regards, Bob

[guskody]

Originally Posted by BRatliff

Congrats on a major score! I have only seen one other Lew Horton S/N 0001, belongs to a forum member here. No doubt part of Lew's personal collection. I'm sure Earl will get the details to you in short order, he is a great guy to deal with. The 64 dollar question, did you buy a lottery ticket on your way home from your FFL?

Best regards, Bob

ha. i probably should have, but it didn't even enter my mind.

i was trying to figure out how something like this could slip thru someones hands without calling attention to it, however i do understand it being for sale. we all have different wants, needs, and interests.

makes me want to make improve my notes etc on a few things that the kids will have to deal with someday.

[guskody]

just got my letter from Earl at Lew Horton indicating this indeed was part of Lew's personal collection for a bit of time.

what a super great guy Earl is. His enthusiasm and knowledge is amazing.

just edited my original post to keep the photos at the top of the thread. thanks for letting me share.