A friend has a .32/20 M&P 4th change, nickel, 6". Serial # is
(star) 110XXX. Under the grips there is a 'N' stamped under the grip pin. Barrel,Cyl. & Frame #s match. I know the 'star' means factory refinish and the 'N' means nickel. But there are two other markings under the grips. '7.23' and '5.43'.
Does this mean that this gun has been back to the factory twice? Also, there is a 'P' inside a circle in front of the ser.# under the barrel. Is this a proof mark or what?
My friend doesn't care about any of this. The gun looks great. The bore and chambers are bright,sharp and shiney, and it has great pearl grips on it. He's happy.
But I gotta know. Any and all info will help my peace of mind. God knows I need the help.
I'll try to get some pics.

Yes the two dates mean it's been back to the factory at least twice. July 1923 and during WW2 in May 1943. The invoice for what was done on those dates will be in the S&W archives at the CVHM, filed by the name of the person who sent the gun to the factory. I believe the P under the barrel indicate something was repaired/replaced regarding the barrel. Ed.

The star indicates that the gun was indeed returned for service, not necessarily for refinishing. But especially since there are two date stamps, it would be easy to assume that the factory refinished the gun on at least one of those dates. For a period of time the service department used a marking on the left side of the grip frame to indicate a refinish. The letters 'R-S' meant 'refinish-standard' (blue) while 'R-N' meant 'refinish-nickel'.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I have a 32 HE that was factory refinished 10.49.Has star after S/N.The
numbers match thruout but has dianond<> after S/N on barrel,cylinder,ejecter and frame.What does the <> diamond signify?Gun doesn't appear to have been fired except 3 charge holes since being done.

Diamonds mean a replaced part. The serial number of the gun is usually stamped with the diamond on the part replaced.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Jim,thanks for the info.Guess I have a almost 100 year old gun that was rebuilt 60years ago.Still interesting old gun for fun shooting since collector value is gone.At least it probably has the later heat treated parts.

A gun with factory replaced parts/service like yours does not necessarily mean all collector value is gone. A factory serviced or refinished gun may not be a collectors 1st choice but it has a lot more value than a gun worked on out of the factory. All those stamps, matching serial #'d parts, and dates properly document and prove factory levels of craftsmanship; the same level that went into it originally. I would not discount it in my collection nor hesitate to buy it. It's the next best thing to an all original gun in my opinion.

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Jim
S&WCA #819