DOB info for new model one and a half

[barnside]

O Wise Ones:

I have horsetraded into possession of a couple of new model 1 and 1/2s. (the .32 centerfire model). They are not pristine collector's models, but are decent shooters. Yes, I will post photos when I get my camera and computer together, (& hopefully before I get fussed at!). I would hope someone has a good guess when they may have left the factory.

I'm too cheap/broke to spring for factory letters. (I opened my cell phone bill and discovered that my teenage daughter made almost $500 in text messaging charges!)

Both are nickel finish.

The first, a 3" barrel with the block S&W lettering grips, is serial #21,3xx. Probably 80% finish.

The second, a 3 1/2 barrel with a serial number 60,7xx. Probably 10-15% finish.

Any guesses would be appreciated. The closest guess can have a free, pink cell phone that has been broken into two pieces.

Barnside

 

[barnside]

O Wise Ones:

I have horsetraded into possession of a couple of new model 1 and 1/2s. (the .32 centerfire model). They are not pristine collector's models, but are decent shooters. Yes, I will post photos when I get my camera and computer together, (& hopefully before I get fussed at!). I would hope someone has a good guess when they may have left the factory.

I'm too cheap/broke to spring for factory letters. (I opened my cell phone bill and discovered that my teenage daughter made almost $500 in text messaging charges!)

Both are nickel finish.

The first, a 3" barrel with the block S&W lettering grips, is serial #21,3xx. Probably 80% finish.

The second, a 3 1/2 barrel with a serial number 60,7xx. Probably 10-15% finish.

Any guesses would be appreciated. The closest guess can have a free, pink cell phone that has been broken into two pieces.

Barnside

 

[BUFF]

The Jinks book says the first series began in 1865 and was produced until 1868 with s/n's running from 1 to 26,300. The entire series ran to 127,000 ending in 1875.

So I would guess your first one is about 1867 and the second one about 1870. You would need to obtain factory letters to find out exactly when they were shipped, unless folks that have lettered their own 1-1/2's can chip in more information.

 

[H Richard]

I have S/N 2062X, and it was shipped in Mar. 1879. If they have the strain screw on the front strap of the grip frame it is the second model, and they were mfg from 1878 - 1892. They should have the patent dates on the barrels of Jan. 17 & 24 1865, July 11, 1865; Aug. 24, 1869; Feb. 20, 1877; and reissue July 25, 1871.
Look like this? Nickle was most common finish.

 

[barnside]

H. Richard:

Yes, that is the model, just not quite as purdy as yours. So, it looks like the #21,xxx was made in 1879. That's close enough for me. Thank you and BUFF very much for the info

H. Richard, have you ever shot the one pictured? I shot my two at the same time as I shot a Beretta M92. The little Smiths printed a lot smaller group. (Which says a lot about the Smiths and very little about my shooting ability).

Does anyone have any idea as to the DOB on #60,7xx?

Barnside.

 

[H Richard]

No, but I recently picked up some 32 S&W and plan to shoot it and a .32 D A, Circa 1911, and shoot them both soon.