Help on my mothers Model 60 no dash manufacture

[weever82]

Hey guys,

My mother had a Model 60 pinned no dash next to her beside for the last 40+yrs and was recently gifted to me after she got dementia. I would really like to know when it was manufactured. I called S&W and the guy kept telling me it needs an "R" in front the serial # but it doesn't have one. Any help would be appreciated.

Serial # 5161XX

Thanks for your time!

 

[JP@AK]

Once again demonstrating the futility of calling S&W about the age of a revolver . . .

The R prefix did not come into use until 1969. Before that (1965-69), the Model 60 was numbered with the carbon steel Model 36 Chiefs Special. Yours would be from some time in the mid- to late-1960s. I don't track these, so I cannot get closer than that. If I were forced to guess, I would probably say circa 1967.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

As ever, Jack is right on the mark.

My Chiefs Special serial number 545731 shipped in July '67, and Roy Jinks book, History of Smith & Wesson, says Model 60 serial numbers 515xxx - 519xxx shipped in '67/'68.

I'm sorry to learn of your Mom's condition.

 

[murphydog]

Agree, 1967 to perhaps early 1968 production. Does it have the original stocks, and if so is there a small uncheckered diamond around the stock screw? If so it makes it more likely to be from 1967.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sorry about Mom, but man did she have good taste in a house gun.
Just the flash and boom in a dark room would scare an intruder.
A real treasure from Mom, have several from my Mom. best

 

[weever82]

Agree, 1967 to perhaps early 1968 production. Does it have the original stocks, and if so is there a small uncheckered diamond around the stock screw? If so it makes it more likely to be from 1967.

Yes it has the original stocks and they have the diamond on them. So 1967 it is!

Thanks everyone for the help and kind words. Nothing worse than watching a parent go downhill. Just love um and take care of them the best you can.

Thanks again!

 

[NavySCPO]

God Bless you, I feel your pain, it's a horrible affliction that steals everything. My Wife developed dementia after cancer surgery last year, most days her memory is no more than a few minutes, and bless her heart she will only be 68 this weekend.

You are right, all you can do is ride it out and make the best of the good days while they last.