Another "markings" question/help thread

[S&W Fan]

Last weekend a friend looked at a 2.5" 19-5, blue wearing Pach grips. He noticed some marks on it that asked for me help with. I just received some photos and thought I'd post here for help/clarification. I don't have my SCSW handy so thank in advance for any help.

There is a capital "B" and either the number 6 or 9 on the back of the cylinder as well as 3 vertical lines near one chamber. On the grip frame are circle with "O" inside and a heart with the number 4 in the center.

2 angles of the vertical marks:



Right side of the grip frame-my thought for these are fitter/assembly marks:

 

[chief38]

I really don't see the "B" - looks like "III" from here. That said, I'd guess they are all proof marks or inspection marks of some sort.

 

[S&W Fan]

Sorry he said the pen covered the "B", still the "III" or whatever it is, I haven't come across before or the 6 or 9 mark either. Interesting. He's being offered the gun at $550 plus transfer fee (here in Colorado even private sales have to go through an ffl). He rated the gun at 90% with very good timing/lockup.

**Correction, it's at a shop and would add tax plus our background check to the price**

To me that's a "buy" price but my buddy is still learning about older S&Ws and would prefer a higher grade version. Still looking for more info, thanks!

 

[snw19_357]

I think most members with 19-5's (even early -6s) will find a "9" on there cylinder. Believe it is a factory marking to show what the cylinder is for, when it's still in the white. Model 66 and 66-1 have a "V" and 66-2 have an "F" there.
Don't know about the "B" but have owned 19-5s with the 9 and an N (intended to be nickel?) and an M (no clue) but it looks like the three lines may be stamped over another character, crossing it out (?).