Help identify, please

[Old Unk]

N frame, .357, 4", 5 screw, #S 12628, no Mod #, barrel marked
Highway Patrolman. Pinned, recessed.

Imagine an early Mod 28.

Appreciate any help.

Best.

Old Unk

 

[merl67]

You have a Highway Patrolman made around 1955 this model would become the Model 28 in 1957.

 

[murphydog]

I think you may be short one digit in the SN, as the earliest HPs were in the S 100,000 serial number range.

 

[Old Unk]

murphydog, you are correct.

Ser # is S126288

Thanks.

Old Unk

 

[Art Doc]

If it was an early Model 28 it would be stamped Model 28. This is a "pre 28" or Highway Patrolman as indicated on the barrel. My guess would be early 1955 from the serial but that's only my guess.

 

[JSR III]

As others have stated, you have a Highway Patrolman or pre model 28. S&W's did not receive model number stamping's until 1957 or 1958 so your gun would not have one.

Mine with serial number S 129113 shipped in April of 1955 so I would guess yours shipped in February or March of 1955 depending on how many they were pushing out the door at that time.

The 4" barrel version seems to be more popular than the 6" so you have a popular gun there.

Production began in 1954 at serial number S103500 with 8,427 produced in 1954.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Here's another example that you can't extrapolate shipping dates based on serial numbers. My S121610 shipped in March '56. I still like it!

 

[Old Unk]

Thank you, gents.

Best.

Old Unk