I’ve posted about this gun in question before, and apparently it’s a .38 Single Action, 2nd Model, Serial #56303. According to a couple responses its stocks were only used in 1881-82, per the block style S&W letters. There is a real nice engraved revolver similar to mine, in the Antique, tip ups, etc. section, and the OP was advised to get it lettered. So, can I take it for granted that this gun of mine could be lettered? It has no sentimental value whatsoever but it’s interesting as all get out for a $300 gun that works, sorta. (Another issue came up.)
Thanks for your input once again.
Jeff T.

Jeff
It will letter.
Don

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Don Mundell

Don, thank you very much. I hate to drag on, but do most all of them letter? Or maybe, do any NOT letter? I may jump on another oldie some day; I'm trying to get better versed in these interesting guns. I need to order those couple books by D.R. Chicoine, also. Thanks again.

As with any model a few won't letter. Do you have both books written by Roy Jinks? That is where you should start.
Don

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Don Mundell

While the gun should letter, it may also be "Open on the books", in other words it may have never been entered. There are several reasons for this: It may have been a salesman's sample, it may have been a prize gun or company pistol team gun, or may have been gifted to someone by a company officer. If it is worth it to you then take take the chance submit a letter request with your $100 and find out.

What makes you say that? Do you know something I don't? Open on the records means nothing you stated. Open mean open. If it were what you claim, it would be written in the records.

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Don Mundell

Don, You are technically correct, in that "Open on the books" means only that, - the gun never got entered in the "book" which is the shipping record "book". There are other "books" and records that list guns that never appeared in the shipping records, but are recorded in factory documents, such as the 'Zero" and "Club Gun" gun lists, The Schofield "day " book , the stocking room production logs, records at the Univ. of Massachusetts, correspondence records, etc. I believe If you look back at Roy Jinks responses to the question of "Open on the books" over time in the S&WCA Journals, etc, you will find he offers explanations of why guns are "Open on the books" similar to ALK8944's comments. Take care, Ed

Ed
First off there are is no information at Umass about shipping dates for serial numbers. It appears you know more about them then I. Ernie Rice and I went thru all of the boxes page by page, twice. I gave a detailed explantion to the SWHF Board of Directors at an Annual Meeting.I don't know what more I can say about Open on the books other than if someone can tell me where to search please share.

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Don Mundell