Grip frame mark ?

[larry21556]

The left side grip frame of my RegMag has a punch mark over the "B" mark. Is that indicative of a reblue? There are no other marks on the frame.

Thanks, Larry

 

[Hondo44]

Larry,

That's a new one for me but I'm no expert.

I do know that Reg Mags fall within the 1930 period that the old files have been placed on the computer at the SWHF. It would be possible to get any factory information available from them. First you have to letter the gun and send a copy with your request.

 

[larry21556]

I just got the SWHF info and there is no indication of any return to the factory. The blue on this gun is beautiful, but there is just a hint of roundness to the edges on the side plate, however no flattening of pin heads or rounding of the cylinder stop, no washing out of any letters or logo. It has been rebarreled with a post war pre 27 barrel that is numbered to the frame. I posted photos before at http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/130805-another-reg-mag.html

 

[Hondo44]

Larry,

I'm thinking the re-barreling was fairly recent when a date of rework is no longer stamped on grip frame. And the star on the butt was no longer used after the early 1960s. Or maybe not done at the Smith factory but at a S&W official repair station and that's why the barrel has a matching serial number stamped on it. Also very experienced S&W gunsmiths like David Chicoine can stamp #s on replaced parts.

 

[bob1956]

Regardless of the origin of the re-work its first rate and I think its a real prize. I have several pre war guns with later barrels added. Although not original in the purest sort, still very desirable to me. I guess if I had a reg. mag in that condition I would feel very blessed to own it.

 

[Alk8944]

And the star on the butt was no longer used after the early 1960s.

This is not correct. I had several guns repaired by S&W in 1975 which were marked with the re-work star at that time. I still have two of them, a Dayton and a New Model 3 Frontier.

 

[Skeetr57]

The star mark wasn't always used. I have a New Model Number 3 target that was completely redone by the factory in june of 1956 that doesn't have a star. I also had a .32-20 re-nickled in the early 1970'a that did get a star stamp. Also, the star was not always put on the butt by the serial number. I have a nickle .32 RP that was built pre-war that went back post war and got a new barrel, cylinder and re-finish. It is not marked by the SN, but does have stars on the barrel, cylinder and yoke.

 

[opoefc]

As can be told from the above postings, the continuity of stampings done by the factory on repairs is somewhat lacking and can confuse collectors expecting standardization of the process. Very little done at S&W can be called "standard. " A single punch mark on the frame under the cylinder indicates the gun has been proof fired at the factory. The same punch mark elsewhere does not necessarily have the same meaning. However, a punch mark over a standard symbol, such as a "B," should be interpreted as an affirmative mark that the "B" ( B for Blue finish) may have been redone, in my opinion. Ed.

 

[Hondo44]

The star mark wasn't always used. I have a New Model Number 3 target that was completely redone by the factory in june of 1956 that doesn't have a star. I also had a .32-20 re-nickled in the early 1970'a that did get a star stamp. Also, the star was not always put on the butt by the serial number. I have a nickle .32 RP that was built pre-war that went back post war and got a new barrel, cylinder and re-finish. It is not marked by the SN, but does have stars on the barrel, cylinder and yoke.

As can be told from the above postings, the continuity of stampings done by the factory on repairs is somewhat lacking and can confuse collectors expecting standardization of the process. Very little done at S&W can be called "standard. " A single punch mark on the frame under the cylinder indicates the gun has been proof fired at the factory. The same punch mark elsewhere does not necessarily have the same meaning. However, a punch mark over a standard symbol, such as a "B," should be interpreted as an affirmative mark that the "B" ( B for Blue finish) may have been redone, in my opinion. Ed.

Skeetr, Ed,

You said it all brother! Any statements about S&W is presumed to be trends, and should not be taken as rules.

 

[Hondo44]

This is not correct. I had several guns repaired by S&W in 1975 which were marked with the re-work star at that time. I still have two of them, a Dayton and a New Model 3 Frontier.

Any statements about S&W is presumed to be trends, and should not be taken as rules. It's too bad that now S&W won't work on anything pre c. Model numbered guns.