Correction to Fifth Edition (Prewar .22/32 Kit Gun)

[DCWilson]

SCSW5, p. 167, col. 1, near bottom: "The serial number range 525670 - 536684..." Both numbers are incorrect, though they originated in serious studies that are basic research tools for S&W collectors.

525670 is a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target shipped in June of 1931 to Buenos Aires, the sole .22/32 I-frame in a large shipment of revolvers of many types; there is no evidence that it should be considered a Kit Gun. Two prototypes numbered 527711 and 527712 are known, the latter of which was put in the hands of Victor Wesson in June 1934. Those two ( and perhaps a handful more with adjacent or nearby serial numbers) are probably the earliest known revolvers that could be called Kit Guns. Actual commercial production under the Kit Gun name began in 1936 and bore serial numbers beginning a little below 529500.

536684 appears to be a typo. The highest known serial number on a six-digit I-frame (which includes the Kit Guns) shipped before WWII is 534584. A very few KGs with numbers slightly below that were not assembled and shipped until after WWII.

For purposes of illustration, my lowest numbered KG is 529488 (May 1936) and my highest 534566 (April 1940).

A tip of the hat to Mike Helms for finding the details of the 1931 Buenos Aires shipment and passing them along to me. All credit to him for settling a question that had long bothered me.

 

[Crazywader]

SCSW5, p. 167, col. 1, near bottom: "The serial number range 525670 - 536684..." Both numbers are incorrect, though they originated in serious studies that are basic research tools for S&W collectors.

525670 is a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target shipped in June of 1931 to Buenos Aires, the sole .22/32 I-frame in a large shipment of revolvers of many types; there is no evidence that it should be considered a Kit Gun. Two prototypes numbered 527711 and 527712 are known, the latter of which was put in the hands of Victor Wesson in June 1934. Those two ( and perhaps a handful more with adjacent or nearby serial numbers) are probably the earliest known revolvers that could be called Kit Guns. Actual commercial production under the Kit Gun name began in 1936 and bore serial numbers beginning a little below 529500.

536684 appears to be a typo. The highest known serial number on a six-digit I-frame (which includes the Kit Guns) shipped before WWII is 534584. A very few KGs with numbers slightly below that were not assembled and shipped until after WWII.

For purposes of illustration, my lowest numbered KG is 529488 (May 1936) and my highest 534566 (April 1940).

A tip of the hat to Mike Helms for finding the details of the 1931 Buenos Aires shipment and passing them along to me. All credit to him for settling a question that had long bothered me.

I haven't yet purchased SCSW5 but have SCSW2 and SCSW3.

Referencing SCSW3, p. 118 col 2 (".22/.32 Kit Gun (Prewar)"), the same serial numbers "525670 - 536684" are listed as being "manufactured c. 1935-1941." Those numbers have apparently been carried forward to SCSW5. Also, in SCSW3 on p. 396 col 1, # 536684 is listed again (final # shipped in 1941).

In SCSW3 p.117 col 2 (under the subject of ".22/32 Hand Ejector (.22.32 Bekeart Model or .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target)") there is a distinction made in the final three sentences in col 2 near the bottom; "Cylinder chambers recessed for the case head began in 1935 - reportedly at serial number 525600 - but collectors report recessed chambers as low as 384570. The serial number is viewed on the forestrap without grip removal. Weight is 23 ounces and the guns were made c. 1911-1941 (emphasis added)."

I'm still quite the Navy 'greenhorn' in understanding most of what I've read and noted above so I'm not implying anything other than there appears to be room for clarification and distinction. Maybe someone with additional insight comes along. Not that it's relevant to the above but, I have 34-1 CTG #M549XX. Anyone who has a Model of 1953 (pre-model 34 w/ a 2", round butt, 4-screw, in blue and is wants to find a new home for it, I'm interested ;-)

BTW, I sent my application to become a member of the S&WCA and the S&WHF this past Friday. I am looking forward to the day of meeting members at the annual meeting.