I have a 52 serial number 50xxx. Under the left grip it is engraved "William Clark Saginaw Mich" can any one tell if the engraving was done at Smith & Wesson was that offered, also my serial number would a number 50100 be the 100th model 52 built.

Serial numbers have nothing to do with when they were built or sold. It only shows the order in which they were stamped. After 7 years of fitting the 52's, I moved to building the 9's and 22's, I was charged with assembling the first "production" 645's'. I actually put aside some of the first low numbered ones in my drawer "just in case" I ever bought one. Alas I never did buy one and they were still in that drawer when I left there.

Now that the subject of early Model 52s has been broached, I’d like to get some definitive info on a variant. When, and how many, Model 52 pistols were built chambered in 38 AMU? I know some existed, but am wondering how many and why. We’re they built under contract for the military teams, or were they available to the civilian market? Were they ever built as complete guns or just as conversions for the standard 38 Specials. I just can’t find anything but fascinating rumors (and the one 38 AMU mag that oddly enough showed up with Dad’s 52-2 )

Thanks in advance for any and all help here!
Froggie

way before my time, but I heard of these when I was there. I actually looked around for any barrels, never found any.

I found the discussion over on the other current thread as well as finally thinking to look in my SCSW-4th. I’ve had my questions answered pretty well for the moment. Thanks, donk52 for your contributions.

Regards,
Froggie

Thanks for your response i am pretty new to the 52's . The one I have is one sweet shooting gun.