10-6 pinto? Help please

[Limak]

Hi,

I recently bought a 10-6 that might be a pinto. The serial number is c356xxx and it seems that it is from 1954-56. The cylinder, rod, and side plate are nickled, but the barrel is not. The bottom grip, cylinder and bottom of the barrel all have the same serial number. Next to the model number "36x32" is stamped. The back of the cylider also has a star stamp, has it been refinished? Please let me know if any of you have more information on this gun. I will provide any other information, i am a newbie so please be patient. Thanks.

Pic link
Library Slideshow by Limak8 | Photobucket

Edit- the thumb latch is also nickel

Edit 2- frame marks pic
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y435/Limak8/imagejpg1_zps719d8264.jpg

The frame has four markings under the left grip. 774, 36x32 which is also printed on the crane, 380, and a rectangle with r-s printed inside. Hope this helps.

 

[murphydog]

It is possible, but I think unlikely. The factory original two-tone revolvers I have seen have a nickel barrel, cylinder and thumb latch (and other small parts such as sideplate screws), but not a sideplate on a blue frame. Having said that, the star may indicate a factory refinish so all bets are off.

A factory letter will tell you if the finish is original but (almost always) not if the factory did the refinish. Others here collect these specifically and may have more information. Hope this is helpful.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Have you taken the left Stock off to see if there are any refinish stampings on the Frame? My bet would be the Gun was sent back to the Factory to be changed into the current configuration.

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum Limak.
There is a stamped number on the inside of the sideplate. That "assembly number" should match the grip frame on the left side under the grips.

 

[6518John]

Have you taken the left Stock off to see if there are any refinish stampings on the Frame? My bet would be the Gun was sent back to the Factory to be changed into the current configuration.

Why would someone do that?

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Only S&W knows for certain.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Why would someone do that?

Back in the Day if you had the $$ S&W would do whatever you want....

 

[6518John]

Only S&W knows for certain.

Gotcha.' It almost looks like someone had spare parts and put together a gun.

 

[Limak]

Welcome to the Forum Limak.
There is a stamped number on the inside of the sideplate. That "assembly number" should match the grip frame on the left side under the grips.

Is it safe for me to remove the side plate? I do not want parts to jump out or me not to be able to put the gun back together. Thanks.

 

[Limak]

Have you taken the left Stock off to see if there are any refinish stampings on the Frame? My bet would be the Gun was sent back to the Factory to be changed into the current configuration.

I posted a picture of the frame. There are four markings, not sure what they signify. Thanks

 

[Limak]

Gotcha.' It almost looks like someone had spare parts and put together a gun.

That is what i was thinking, but the serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, and frame all match.

 

[VM]

Is it safe for me to remove the side plate? I do not want parts to jump out or me not to be able to put the gun back together. Thanks.

It is safe to remove sideplate but you should read up on procedure and feel confortable first. Most importantly, it is important to use proper screwdriver.
I only stated about these numbers to help you determine the originality/mystery of your revolver.

 

[VM]

I posted a picture of the frame. There are four markings, not sure what they signify. Thanks

In my opinion and from the best I can see:

from left to right

774 (date stamp) July 1974
86xxx assembly number
380 (date stamp) March 1980
RS - refinish mark

 

[Limak]

In my opinion and from the best I can see:

from left to right

774 (date stamp) July 1974
86xxx assembly number
380 (date stamp) March 1980
RS - refinish mark

So most likely one date for repair or modification and another date for the refinish?

 

[VM]

So most likely one date for repair or modification and another date for the refinish?

You'd need a crystal ball to answer that