For the 32-20 fanatics here’s another observation. The change in logo diameter from .52? to .62? inches. Kind of a stepping stone before moving it to the left, IMO.

I’m here to learn about K frame S&Ws and I chose the 32-20 as the caliber because the evolution of the K frame happened “so fast.” The large logo on the left is an ‘02 (21xxx) this is NOT equipped with a rebound slide. The ‘05 (69xxx) is the “finished product. All this before WW1 ,, and IMO, most importantly in the shadow of the development of the 1908 .44 N frame

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Interesting, when was the second line added “Reg US Pat Off”?

THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to know about the "02"---those without the rebound slide, is they are equipped with what one might call a rebound spring----designed by the Devil himself!!

It is a great, stout, leaf spring pinned to the front grip strap, and running up to the Monkey Motion levers controlling the trigger action---also designed by the Devil himself!! Any/all of these abominations are also known as "pre 5 screw 4 screws").

The point of all this drivel is YOU MUST BE IN CONTROL of this great, stout spring---or it's going to be in control of you----if/when you take one of these monstrosities apart for a bath---AND when you put it back together.

This control is to be had by use of a special tool designed by our own Mike Priwer----one of those folks who's smarter than your average bear----and who's been there and done that----more than once or twice!

It is a highly complex piece of wooden dowel rod (1/4-3/8" in diameter) and of a finished length such that it holds the trigger spring COMPRESSED (because you've removed the mainspring, and pulled the trigger all the way back and held it there!!!---whilst inserting the special tool) against the COMPRESSED trigger spring---by virtue of the fact the other end is bearing against the interior of the frame opposite.

One may now move the trigger forward to its static position, and remove the trigger AND the Monkey Motion levers AS AN ASSEMBLY-----which are to be replaced AS AN ASSEMBLY----lest you find it necessary to say an unending stream of bad words!!

As an aside, having coped with this abomination, you will have a complete understanding of the necessity to get rid of it, and replace it with the rebound slide and spring----which comprise a piece of cake comparatively speaking---especially if you have the "Smithmaster" tool (from Smithmaster Tools). And a little screwdriver with a notch in the blade will suffice if you don't---never mind ANYBODY with an ounce of sense is going to have the "Smithmaster" tool---and anybody who sees you using it is going to think you're really smart---even if you're not.

Ralph Tremaine

As an another aside, IF you don't have Chicoine's book Antique Firearms- Assembly/Disassembly, you have NO BUSINESS inside one of this things---never mind his unending mention/use of "reverse pliers" (which are gratefully replaced by Mr. Priwer's special tool). I say "gratefully" because I don't have three hands----and neither do YOU!!

Interesting is a good starting point, thanks for the question. As a novice hobbyist that focuses on K Frames chambered in.32 Winchester,, I’m confident never would be my answer.
However, a .38 pre 1940 would be my “guess.

I’m beginning to understand that the 3rd S&W Trade Mark (.3??” diameter), the small one on the left side of the frame began to appear after WW1. Before the made in USA line

I understand the notion of using up the barrels and OTHER PARTS during the transition after WW1. But other changes like the dowel pins in the cylinder and machining the frame for the improved service sights all appear with this Trade Mark on the left.

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I have been tracking and revising my date estimates for some time now and the most recent list for K frames ( N & I frames seem to follow closely) logo changes.

Medium size logo started on the Model 1896 - 1896 to 1903
Medium size logo on right side of Top-Breaks - 1899
Medium logo hand ejectors on right side prior to 1917
No-Logo" guns, all models 1917 to mid-1920 (K frame - sn 255,000-338,000)
Small logo on left side ran from 1920 to 1936 (except for the 32 Safety)
Large TM bordered logo was moved to the right side w/Reg US Pat Off - 1937 to WWII & beyond

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

I’m jumping in with both feet!!
And I’m focusing only on k frames.. and.32-20 caliber

I believe your list has to many Mediums’
A simple typo?

I feel guilty calling the S&W Trade Mark a logo. These are 32-20s and I noticed a change in the diameter of the TM’ on the early 4th change (65(?)xxx - 100(?)xxx) model.
I’m calling that “medium sized (.52) (bottom in photo) and it’s on the side plate, the smallest (.3?) is moved to the left side.

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Nope, read the list closely, different models different years. 4th Change, whether it is 32 Winchester or 38 Special, all had medium sized stampings until the change in 1917. The earliest 1917 shipped 32-20 in the database was 69,XXX. There were probably very few with that large stamping shipped in 1917, since WWI era had no logo stamp.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I will glowe, probably to closely!! Thanks for the guidance. I find the S&W 32 Winchesters (as all S&Ws) built between 1914 and 1917 most interesting when combined with the improvements developed on the .32&.38 i frame and the.44 n frame.