Help deciphering factory date stamp

Absalom · #1 02-21-2016, 04:51 PM

On an auction site I came across this Victory which had apparently gone back to the factory for repairs.

I've been trying to figure out the date stamp on the grip frame. To me it looks like 5-42, but that would be before the likely shipping date of the gun.

I've been staring at this so long I'm starting to see Masonic symbols

. Maybe someone with more practice reading S&W stamps sees this more clearly.

Thanks.

JP@AK · #2 02-21-2016, 04:54 PM

Looks like May of 1942 to me too. With that serial number, it would have been returned for repairs soon after it shipped the first time. Unusual, but not impossible. The star on the butt does indicate that it received some sort of factory service.

Alk8944 · #3 02-21-2016, 06:21 PM

That SN stamp, and the re-work star, definitely do not look like any factory numbering I have ever seen. Obviously hand-stamped, which S&W did not do. The font is too large and the stroke width is not consistent. I have never seen a re-work star that was solid like that one, they are always open. In other words the star is simply an outline!

Did you compare the SN on the cylinder and barrel? Is it the same as on the butt? If the numbers don't match, or are not present, I would really question the origins of this revolver. I suppose in the exigencies of war the frame may have been replaced and loose stamps were used, but not likely. This is a gun that simply "does not look right"!

Absalom · #4 02-21-2016, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alk8944

......
Did you compare the SN on the cylinder and barrel? Is it the same as on the butt? If the numbers don't match, or are not present, I would really question the origins of this revolver. I suppose in the exigencies of war the frame may have been replaced and loose stamps were used, but not likely. This is a gun that simply "does not look right"!

Here are a few more snips.

The stocks and cylinder match, the barrel serial was not pictured. Finish on all parts is consistent, all stamp strikes are deep, even and crisp, and the high quality of the photos leaves no doubt in my mind that the finish is original.

Hondo44 · #5 02-21-2016, 10:27 PM

I can't disagree with Alk8944 about the look of the stamping, but it does look like a righteous gun. The SWHF should have an archived repair order on that one.

wetdog · #6 02-21-2016, 10:39 PM

I've looked five times and couldn't say for sure. 5 42 5 43

Targets Guy · #7 02-21-2016, 10:41 PM

The stocks look legit.

Hondo44 · #8 02-21-2016, 10:55 PM

If you see a 2 that's too small, you're looking at the 'undented' surface, but if you look at the indentation it's clearly a 3.

If you have some Smiths around with a 2 or 3 in the serial number, compare to the date stamp.

Absalom · #9 02-21-2016, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

If you see a 2 that's too small, you're looking at the 'undented' surface, but if you look at the indentation it's clearly a 3.
......

I believe you solved it. I see exactly what you mean. I think the problem arises from the very shallow angle at which the light source was hitting the indentation, creating a very distinct shadow with a 2-shape sticking out. The moment one accepts the area around it as the actual number, the size discrepancy is solved, too.