Hello fellow Smith nuts, I have a 1952 K22 with a replaced cylinder and ejector rod and extractor. No numbers or markings on the cyl/rod/extractor anywhere. On the grip frame is stamped 11.52 or 11.62. I can't really be sure which. The cylinder and extractor/rod might be 1962 vintage but def not 1952 vintage. There are some markings though that might mean something on the grip frame.The action and lockup are really nice and tight. Does anyone think this replaced cylinder was likely done at the factory in 1962? Thanks!
Grip frame markings
- Thread starter AC4142
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shown50
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shown50
Member
No problem, it looks like it’s in good shape from what I can see in the pictures. If you get a letter on it you can request a deep dive and they might be able to find records of it being back at the factory.
It appears the cylinder, extractor, extractor rod and stem were replaced in 1962 with parts having the improved, left-hand thread. I am sure the work was done at S&W by the stamping of 11 62 on the grip frame. Service records are very few so a search of S&W's records would likely not find anything to document the repair.
Bill Cross
S&WHF
Bill Cross
S&WHF
11.52 or 62 is a date code applied by the Service Department. It is at least unusual for there to be no other service markings, but nothing for one to get his knickers in a knot about. Given a replaced cylinder, let me suggest a look at the cylinder (UNDER the ejector star), and the back side of the ejector star. Another location is the back side of the sideplate, although nothing we've been told points to any reason it would've been removed.
As to the likelyhood of an S<> marking anywhere, that's remote. (I returned a Satin Blue K-22 to be refinished in Bright Blue. The only markings anywhere were S<>------and the date code.) It pretty much stands to reason S means the Finishing Department is to return the pieces to the Service Department, and the <> meant it was to be finished in Bright Blue. To suppose any given marking was to be, or could be interpreted in more than one way stretches the imagination-----mine at least.
Ralph Tremaine
As to the likelyhood of an S<> marking anywhere, that's remote. (I returned a Satin Blue K-22 to be refinished in Bright Blue. The only markings anywhere were S<>------and the date code.) It pretty much stands to reason S means the Finishing Department is to return the pieces to the Service Department, and the <> meant it was to be finished in Bright Blue. To suppose any given marking was to be, or could be interpreted in more than one way stretches the imagination-----mine at least.
Ralph Tremaine
Possible. I've seen date codes all run together (as in 302), also as 3 02, also as 3/02, and 3-02. Then there are those with time on their hands, who might have done 5 or 6 digit date codes with or without spacing's or other symbols. Then there are those who picked up the wrong punch. Let me suggest any/all of these markings tell us the gun's been back for service. To be concerned about what sort of work or the nature of any markings is probably not the best use of our time.
I had a Registered Magnum which very clearly had been completely rebuilt and refinished-----gorgeous gun!
It had FIVE stars (frame/cylinder/yoke/barrel/sideplate, and two 5 digit numbers on the left side of the grip frame-----all run together---either one/both could've been dates.
The bottom line of all this is you had X number of folks making these marks---some doing it one way---others doing it another---and every now and again, not doing it at all.
Ralph Tremaine
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Good back then----ABSOLUTELY!!
Today---not so much------probably cause for some concern.
S&W's goals for the first hundred years were to build the best possible product for the price, and to provide the best service possible for their customers.
Today's goals are to build the product at the lowest possible cost, and to provide service with the lowest cost personnel.
Ralph Tremaine
