Factory Refinishing Markings

[Jeffkframe]

What marking(s) should someone look for if you think a revolver has been sent back for refinishing?

 

[Doc44]

R-S and R-Bi inside of a rectangle indicate a refinish in blue, as does a B followed by a diamond. R-N inside of a rectangle indicates a refinish in nickel. There is often a date code, month and year (2 76 would be February 1976), stamped on the left side of the grip frame. I believe refinish and date code markings were sporadically applied by the early 80s and discontinued some time after that.

Bill

 

[Jeffkframe]

I have "5096" stamped on the left side of the grip frame. Would that have any meaning?

 

[jsfricks]

I have "5096" stamped on the left side of the grip frame. Would that have any meaning?

No, probably not. Those are most likely assembly numbers. Dates usually show up as 8.55 for August 1955 or 5.63 for May 1963.

 

[murphydog]

Prior to the stampings noted above, a star would be stamped next to the serial number that indicated a return to the factory for work, but not always for a refinish. This would have been well prior to 1961 if your revolver is from a more recent era.

 

[wetdog]

Here's a pic of one to help you out.

 

[Jeffkframe]

Thanks for the pic. Looks like mine wasn't sent back