Bekeart Restoration Resource

[whgraham]

Is the full serial number on the barrel? I just can't make it out, even blown up.
To me, it looks like the last 3, with a letter O toward the muzzle.

It's visible. The glare, and numbers so small, is making it hard to capture. I also just found the same serial number on the hammer side of the cylinder: 530286. It's very clear there, more so that anywhere else, but again, the glare makes it tough. It is the same serial number throughout.

A picture of the cylinder serial number is going up shortly. Same link as above.

Thanks.

 

[Hondo44]

Those barrel number digits seem excessively large for the factory stamping which are normally the size of the cylinder number digits. On my gun, the B for blue is poorly stamped and only the top of the B is prominate making it also ressemble an O.

Even though the grips are apparently un-numbered, the grip frame is the round style and not the rebated sq butt style. So in my opinion, chances are the target stocks could be original to the gun as it couldn't have had sq butt stocks and wouldn't be serial numbered on the front grip strap if it came with round butt stocks (it would be stamped on the butt). Only guns with original target stocks and sq butt stocks are serial number stamped on the front grip strap location.

 

[whgraham]

Those barrel number digits seem excessively large for the factory stamping which are normally the size of the cylinder number digits.

They're the same size to my eye, but the underside of the barrel is not finished that smoothly, and has some bluing missing, so I think that pictures make them look different.

 

[Hondo44]

They're the same size to my eye, but the underside of the barrel is not finished that smoothly, and has some bluing missing, so I think that pictures make them look different.

Oh, I understand. OK.

 

[whgraham]

THANK YOU

I want to thank all of your for being so generous with your time. This has been an excellent educational experience. Thank you.

I've posted it for sale. It may sell, may not, but either way experiencing such a helpful, knowledgeable, friendly group was the best part of acquiring this gun.

Thanks.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/181331-wts-pre-war-s-w-22-32-kit-gun.html

 

[whgraham]

Found another mark today. The curve behind the hammer spur has a US Patent Office stamp.

Not sure it matters, but thought I'd let you all know.

Thanks.

 

[DCWilson]

Found another mark today. The curve behind the hammer spur has a US Patent Office stamp.

Not sure it matters, but thought I'd let you all know.

Thanks.

There should be a similar mark on the back of the trigger. These patent marks appear on S&W revolvers made during the 1930s. The patent referred to is for the case hardening process that toughens the metal surface and produces the flowing colors seen on the triggers and hammers.