41-1 question. Production years and serial numbers.

[Aussie Collector]

The serial number range mentioned in SCS&W for the 41-1 is 20000 to 350000 and the year 1960-1973. Later in the book, in the serial number section it lists the serial numbers changing to the A prefix in 1972 with the last non A prefix being 115000. Ignoring the fact that there are a few under 20000, should the range be 20000 to 115000 or 20000 to A350000?

My opinion at the moment is the last 41-1 (excluding the 28 in 1986) was manufactured around 1967 in the 78,000 range. I personally would have the range at 16000 to 80000. Anyone have a non-alpha prefix 41-1 higher than 80000?

Also there are a few 41-1s in the range A303XXX & A304XXX making them 1976/77 guns, again not fitting in with the production ceasing in 1973. Yes there were those 28 made in 1986 and they should have a serial with a 3 alpha prefix. So should the manufactured years be from 1960 to 1977?

Can anyone enlighten this pedantic 41 enthusiast?

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Believe a 41-1 A152XXX was shipped about 11/71 - NEVER FORGET the First rule of S&W

 

[Aussie Collector]

I have seen a few 41-1s with A3XXXXX serials these guns would be around 1976.

The bible states that the 28 built from parts were in 1986, can this be a typo ?
Should it state 1976?

This would also fit in with a gun sold on gunauctions in 2010.

The seller said he had a S&W letter for the 41-1 stating it was built from parts, which must be one of the 28.

Quote from the auction:
"Smith and Wesson model 41, 22 short, with S&W factory papers. This is supposed to have a -1 after model 41 but it does not as pictures show,mfg 1977 special run of left over parts as letter states from service deptartment."

Item:9524703 Smith & Wesson Model 41-1, rare 22 short version,7 3/8 For Sale at GunAuction.com

Cheers.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

S&W 41 A3041XX Jan-77 41-1
S&W 41 A3048XX Feb-77 41-1
To my knowledge these were marked -1 but factory letter would be strong evidence.

 

[Aussie Collector]

These shipping dates and serials work in with a 1976 manufacturing date!

Are these confirmed and lettered 41-1s?
S&W 41 A3041XX Jan-77 41-1
S&W 41 A3048XX Feb-77 41-1
If so any chance the letter says build from parts?

Cheers

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

I do not have that detail. Info indicates as stamped 41-1

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks.

If these 28 are from 1986 the serial numbers should have a 3 alpha prefix.
Is anyone aware of any 3 alpha prefix 41-1s?

 

[Aussie Collector]

I have become aware of yet another 41-1 in the A304XXX range. The owner says it was purchased new in the late 70s. This all points to the 28 parts guns being build in 1976. Im now convinced that the correct date is around 1976.

 

[824tsv]

Hello,
There is one presently listed on gunbroker. The frame is marked 41, matching box is marked 41-1. Warranty card dated 4-26-77. Serial# A304071

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks I did see that 41-1.
The warranty card being filled out early 1977 again points to the 28 parts guns being 1976.
I cannot help but think that there may have been more that the 28 assembled from parts in 1976. If the number is correct then I have pictures and information on 25% of them which I find surprising, this makes me think there may have been much more?