Approx. mfg. date Model 15-2

[dbarlstock]

I have a Model 15-2 with the number K3653X on the butt. The frame is stamped Mod. 15-2. The serial number on the frame in the crane area has been removed. The number F3-653X has been etched into the underside of the barrel behind the lug, underside of the backstrap and on the face of the cylinder. Gun appears to have a pretty good reblue at some time. According to the S&W Standard Catalog the number on the but is a year of introduction not a serial range and the date is 1948.

I am trying to figure out an approx. mfg. date and which number - K or F3 should be used?? I bought the gun from a company on PA I have dealt with in the past. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[dbarlstock]

The company in PA had no info on the gun as it was bought in a bulk purchase.

 

[colt_saa]

The approximate date of manufacture:

and the date is 1948.

 

[JP@AK]

There is no possible way a Model 15-2 could have been shipped in 1948. Model numbered guns did not ship prior to 1958 and the Model 15-2 was introduced in 1961. I suspect you have left off one of the digits in the serial number. But even K3653xx would be too early for a Model 15-2 (K365xxx = 1959). You need to look at the serial number more carefully. And yes, it is the one on the butt, with a K in it.

 

[JP@AK]

The serial number on the frame in the crane area has been removed.

Actually, no, it hasn't. The Model 15-2 would not have had a serial number in the yoke area. They quit doing that on this model in about 1957, just before they started assigning model numbers.

 

[Engine49guy]

IIRC a 15-2 should have a serial and model mark in the yoke cut,
Same serial would be stamped on the heel...
Confirm the heel serial to satisfy the confusion.

 

[JP@AK]

Okay, Engine49guy. You made me curious. I just pulled both a Model 15-2 and a Model 14-2 from the safe. Sure enough, by that time they had begun stamping the serial number in the yoke cut. I was thinking that was started up later.
In about 1956-57 (just before model numbers) they stopped putting the serial number on the barrel flat and the cylinder, so it was only on the butt. Sometime after model numbers started up, they began putting the serial number in the yoke cut, along with the model number.
My mistake in post #5. Thanks for the correction!

 

[Engine49guy]

No absolutes with S&W, Especially snubs in that era .

 

[dbarlstock]

Do not know how to add a picture but the serial number on the butt is K36565 with no missing numbers and no spaces between the letter or numbers. The frame is stamped Mod. 15-2. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[dbarlstock]

The number is K36535 not K36565.

 

[DMSC]

Hmmm...that's an odd one for sure.

If we were dealing with a year or two difference, I might suggest S&W's policy of 'letting nothing go to waste'. But I've never heard of a specimen where the 'left over' frame was built/shipped over 10 years later.

Maybe a warranty repair/replacement?

 

[dbarlstock]

It apparently is an anomaly of some sort. Thanks for the response.

 

[Doc44]

If a revolver became unserviceable and had to be destroyed, S&W would sometimes replace the revolver and use the old serial number on the new gun. However, the first salesman's samples of the Combat Masterpiece were not manufactured until 1949 and the model was not cataloged until 1950.

Bill

 

[JohnAC]

Okay, Engine49guy. You made me curious. I just pulled both a Model 15-2 and a Model 14-2 from the safe. Sure enough, by that time they had begun stamping the serial number in the yoke cut. I was thinking that was started up later.
In about 1956-57 (just before model numbers) they stopped putting the serial number on the barrel flat and the cylinder, so it was only on the butt. Sometime after model numbers started up, they began putting the serial number in the yoke cut, along with the model number.
My mistake in post #5. Thanks for the correction!

My 15-2 snub from 1965 does not have the s/n in the yoke, only the heel. Same as my 10-5 snub from 1975.

 

[SRMA1963]

Not sure if this is the correct thread, but here goes. I believe that the I-frame Model 32 was chambered in both 32 S&W and 38 S&W. MY question is, was the J-frame S&W Model 32-1 ever chambered in 32 S&W, or only in 38 S&W?