Has it been modified?

[Wiregrassguy]

The serial numbers on pre-war N frames never got into the 6 digits. Most likely your grips are off an N frame with the serial number S133,516 which would put it in the 1953-54 time frame. However, they should not fit the pre-war frame as well as period correct grips since the pre-war N frames had a slightly longer grip frame. Again, pictures would help the experts here help you. Even pictures taken by a web cam are better than nothing.

 

[Hondo44]

Nope, it looks as though the grips have been swapped out for a newer style grip. However, the numbers are stamped into the wood. Actually, two sets of numbers. 133 on line line with 516 underneath it. Does that mean a complete SN of 133,516 or do the numbers indicate something else? Are they pre-war grips?

• 1929; Stock #s, stamped since 1857, changed to penciled #s c. 1900, changed back to stamped #s (except premium and hard rubber stocks which can be penciled, stamped or scratched on). Once stamping began again in 1929, sometimes they are found in two rows during some time periods.

The #s are always on the backside of the right grip only.

By about 1980 serial #s on grips were eliminated due to more precise fitting methods.

 

[Turnagain]

The serial numbers on pre-war N frames never got into the 6 digits. Most likely your grips are off an N frame with the serial number S133,516 which would put it in the 1953-54 time frame. However, they should not fit the pre-war frame as well as period correct grips since the pre-war N frames had a slightly longer grip frame. Again, pictures would help the experts here help you. Even pictures taken by a web cam are better than nothing.

No, the grips fit rather well. Wood is a bit proud on the backstrap but all else fits correctly. The numbers are printed on two separate lines of three digits each. No "S" prefix.

I'm seeing about getting a digital camera so pictures in the near future. Just have to get to town and find a store that sells them. That or Amazon.

 

[Hondo44]

The prefix letter is not usually stamped on the grip, if ever.

 

[Turnagain]

• 1929; Stock #s, stamped since 1857, changed to penciled #s c. 1900, changed back to stamped #s (except premium and hard rubber stocks which can be penciled, stamped or scratched on). Once stamping began again in 1929, sometimes they are found in two rows during some time periods.

The #s are always on the backside of the right grip only.

By about 1980 serial #s on grips were eliminated due to more precise fitting methods.

There is a picture of the type of grips I have at http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=545560&d=1638320387 The first grip panel shown in the series. Slight difference in the escutcheons. The tail of the "S" is longer on mine in long smooth curve.


PS. Strike that about the tail of the S. Closer examination with light and mag show them to be the same.

 

[Hondo44]

Well those aren't exactly like yours. You have Magna grips similar to those but notice yours have rounded corners on the checkering border. Those shown are pre war/very early post war with 1/2" diameter medallions. Yours are only 3/8".

The exact correct grips for yours are shown in post #16 and known as Service grips.

I believe you're talking about the medallions, not the escutcheons.

Escutcheons are around the grip screw shown here:

BROWNELLS ESCUTCHEON SCREWS | Brownells

 

[Turnagain]

Yep, rounded checkering corners and a 3/8" medallion. Damn, thought for a bit that I might have a twofer, a modified TL with prewar grips. (sigh) a small disappointment but it's still a good old shooter.