Assembly numbers on First & Second Model Russians and other early Smith & Wessons

[mrcvs]

Assembly numbers on First & Second Model Russians and other early Smith & Wessons

Recently, I made a big gaffe in another thread, incorrectly surmising that a cylinder was replaced because the serial number of the cylinder did not match the serial number of the butt. With regards to this First Model Russian:

ULTRA RARE CONDITION S&W RUSSIAN 1ST MODEL .44 S&W RUSSIAN! ANTIQUE MFG 1871-1874!

Also, I had not recalled seeing an alphanumeric assembly number in this time frame before, but that doesn't mean it didn't occur. The assembly number on the cylinder of this First Model Russian is U484.

So, what did assembly numbers even mean when it comes to early Smith & Wesson revolvers? I'm much more well versed in Colt Cavalry and Artillery Model revolvers, and, for example, the serial number under the trigger guard and on the loading gate, if original, always match!

In comparison, here's a Second Model Russian with shoulder stock, and, to make it clear, numbers on the stock and revolver never matched except if by sheer, and very unlikely, coincidence. But, with regards to this revolver, which is featured in Roy Jinks' books and was in his collection for decades, the barrel, latch, and frame contain assembly numbers of "00", and the cylinder is "696", which, to me, strongly suggests a replaced cylinder, or does it? Was a blued cylinder assembled originally, and non matching, for this unique assemblage, given it was two tone and maybe easier just to obtain a random, excess blued cylinder? It letters as two tone. Then, with regards to the walnut stock, the assembly number is "372" and the engraved buttplate and other hardware is "358". Fit and finish is excellent. Maybe these did not match as components were engraved and this may have differed from other non engraved stocks?

Fine Smith & Wesson No. 3 Second Model American Revolver with Very Rare Factory Engraved Shoulder Stock

Comments, questions, thoughts? Let's make this a great learning experience.

 

[glowe]

Of all the Model 3s I have owned, they all had assembly numbers. American, 1st through 3rd Russians all used assembly numbers. The numbers never went beyond 4 digits. I have owned only one that had letters and numbers and do not know the significance. Maybe letters were used during a time of high production, when 4 digit assembly numbers were not enough to cover all guns being built at one time?? Perhaps while filling a large Russian order would require letters and numbers. I do know that tip-ups used both letters and numbers regularly.

Good question for Roy.

 

[mrcvs]

I asked this question to Roy a few minutes ago over on the private side of the forum.

 

[opoefc]

Ian, FWIW : The factory production log for the Extension stocks list butt plate # 358 as being made June 16, 1879. No info on whether it was then engraved, which I interpret as meaning the butt plate was taken from inventory and then engraved. The log lists the wooden stock,# 372, as being made April 25, 1880. Amoskeag estimated the Model 3 was made about 6 to 9 yrs earlier and does not mention any factory historical letter giving a firm ship date to M.W,R., in the auction description. It appears, there's a slight conumdrum here regarding dates. Perhaps Roy has better insight? Or, the stock was a later addition to the gun, as perhaps the cylinder. was also ??? Ed

 

[mrcvs]

Factory Letter

Ed,

Here is a copy of the letter the auction house had on file with regards to lot No 310.

 

[opoefc]

Ian, I think I've figured it out. My shoulder stock production logs ( metal hardware & wood ) starts with # 1 in 1879. That production log then has got to be for the Revolving Rifle type shoulder stocks and I do not have the production logs for the stocks of the American models, etc , circa early 1870s Ed