Lowest SN On An M52-2 Question

DocB · #1 02-12-2016, 09:55 AM

I know a lot of you guys collect information regarding Smith handguns that is not available anywhere else. We all know how Smith used the same SN sequence for many of their semi-auto pistols. My Model 52-2 has a SN of A106431. I know it's early for the model. . .several of you have told me that. My question is, does anybody own or have record of an M52-2 with a lower SN? If so, how much lower? My objective is to discover if my gun is the first M52-2 or one of the first several dozen or not really among the first ones at all. It came in a 1960-1966 matching box with a 1969 SN. Maybe they just pulled an older frame and stamped it 52-2 after installing the newer slide and extractor, and then stuck it in a left over box from the earlier period. I'm just trying to pin the gun down a little more. A letter might or might not provide the information I'm looking for. Collectors with early 52-2's are a perhaps a better source of information. Thanks in advance.

loeman · #2 02-12-2016, 11:29 AM

Check out this thread started by gmborkovic. He may be able to help you.

Hello 52 fans...

smithfan4152 · #3 02-12-2016, 01:02 PM

Hi again,
as mentioned in another post, or PM, I have had a few in the A105000 range.
My current and long time shooter is A10528XA. This means it was a duplicate serial #, and the other pistol I had was in the same 105 range, and was also a duplicate serial #. I have never lettered my pistol as to the ship dates, But as mentioned, I have a lettered model 41-1 shipped June 16, 1961 serial # in the 27000 range, and another 41-1 shipped July 19, 1961, serial # 2222X.
I was surprised to see things so out of order, but this was more the norm.

DocB · #4 02-13-2016, 10:23 PM

Information from Mr. Jinks indicates that this gun was shipped in June of 1968. Since we didn't have time machines back then, it appears to be possible that this 52-2 was the first one produced by the factory. . .it pre-dates 1971 by approximately 3 years. I will be sending off for a letter later this week.

Aussie Collector · #5 02-14-2016, 06:41 AM

Forgive me if I have misunderstood the post or have the numbers wrong.

All information I have indicates that;
Serial number 106431 is a model 39 and dates to 1968~1969
Serial number A106431 is a model 52-2 and dates to 1971~1972
Is there an "A" prefix your model 52-2?

DocB · #6 02-14-2016, 09:25 AM

The SN is A106431. It is a 52-2 purchased by Frank Fleming and quickly sent back to the factory for extractor replacement/modification. Two days ago Mr. Jinks dated the gun as shipped in June of 1968 and sent that information via EMail to the men who are compiling a data base for early M52 guns. They contacted me with that information indicating that the gun is at worst among the first group of -2 guns produced. While it could be the first, that may be impossible to determine. This appears to indicate that "the book" could be wrong when it comes to dates and SN's regarding the M52 during this transitional period (1968-1971). The only information I have is from the experts and historian. Mr. Fleming joined the US Navy in 1946 and spent 3 years stationed in Cuba.

gmborkovic · #7 02-14-2016, 01:08 PM

Hello Doc, here are the early 52-2 Sns I have:
A104776 Dec. 1972
A105076A Dec.1971
A105385 OPEN
A106431 June 1968
Among this time period I have seven 52-1s that were shipped.
To date you have the earliest shipped 52-2 I have on record.
By all means get a letter. I would like to see who it was shipped to. Best

Aussie Collector · #8 02-14-2016, 07:29 PM

I hate to be a stick in the mud.
1968 does not ring true to me, I do have to admit I have my logical thinking cap on, and we know logic is out the window with some things S&W. I wonder if you were given the date for a model 39, only a thought?

For June 1968 to be right it could indicate that the first run of 52-2s could have been made before the last run of 52-1s?

Smith & Wesson made guns to sell not for the shelf. My data indicates in 1968 they made 5000 in the 10XXXX serial range. These taking 3 years to be sold in 1968, 1969 & 1970. After a run of model 39s then 41s they made some more 52s, these being (mostly if not all) 52-2s starting with an "A" prefix, the earliest one I know is also listed above, A104776.

These are my thought only and most of my data is compiled for the model 41/41-1/46 however due to other semi-autos using the same serial number series I have a some information on these.

This is an interesting thread and making me think to hard. Solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded is easier than this.