Hi all, pls help me identify my first S&W

[Jaeger2000]

Sounds plausible. It was a steal, so I don't mind it having no value as a collectible. All I do care about is that it is safe to shoot.

Thank you very much guys.

 

[Vtgw938]

I like it regardless!

 

[handejector]

Jaeger-
There is one more place you might find the original serial number- remove the cylinder from the gun and look at the back side of the yoke, and tell us what you see here-

 

[Jaeger2000]

Found a #: D742xxx

 

[handejector]

Found a #: D742xxx

Where is that number?

 

[Jaeger2000]

> Where is that number?

On the back side of the yoke, the spot you indicated in your pictures. I removed the cylinder to get to it.

 

[goatsnguns]

I noticed fine checkering on the top strap. It would seem whomever did the work was somewhat of a artist.

 

[handejector]

> Where is that number?

On the back side of the yoke, the spot you indicated in your pictures. I removed the cylinder to get to it.

Are you sure it has a D? If so, the gunsmith must have added that number. By the time D742xxx was made, yokes were no longer being numbered.

Also- the frame is definitely 1948 or before. D742xxx would be from the mid 1970s. So, that does not help us determine the original serial number.

 

[Jaeger2000]

Are you sure it has a D? If so, the gunsmith must have added that number. By the time D742xxx was made, yokes were no longer being numbered.

Also- the frame is definitely 1948 or before. D742xxx would be from the mid 1970s. So, that does not help us determine the original serial number.

Unfortunately, I am. Thank you for your help anyway. You guys are awesome!

 

[DWalt]

One more place to look for a SN - the back side of the extractor star. I am somewhat unconvinced that whoever did the job would go to the trouble of putting the butt SN on the cylinder (or anywhere else unless it was done at S&W). If so, why wouldn't he have put a SN on the 2" barrel also? That D742xxx reported to be stamped on the yoke is likewise very curious.

 

[handejector]

One more place to look for a SN - the back side of the extractor star.

That extractor is not the type that would be original to a long action gun. If it has a number, it won't be the original serial number of the gun.

 

[handejector]

Jaeger,


I keep forgetting to ask if you would look here again and post clear pics---

There should be a number on the frame behind the yoke, and a number on the yoke.
Could we see them?

 

[glowe]

Just to stir the pot, the large logo on the sideplate was not done until 1937, so cannot be earlier than that and it would be way past 200,000 serial number.

 

[Muley Gil]

I'm putting my money on an extremely modified Victory model.

 

[DWalt]

Just to stir the pot, the large logo on the sideplate was not done until 1937, so cannot be earlier than that and it would be way past 200,000 serial number.

I believe the pre-WWI K-frames had the large S&W logo stamped on the sideplate, S&W stopped stamping logos during WWI, small (dime size) logo stamp on frame began in 1920, continued until 1937 when large logo stamping on sideplate began again. Unsure that applied to all models. IF (big if) the 202xxx SN is correct, that would date it about 1913, when the large sideplate logo was being used. Of course the biggest problem is that it has the post-1921 MADE IN USA frame stamp. All those so-stamped until 1937 should have had the small logo stamp, but this one does not have it. But that does not negate a theory that the gun was made in 1937 or later, and if so, the SN should be no lower than in the mid-6xxxxx range. Something else to consider is why would the gunsmith (or whoever did the work) deliberately stamp 202xxx on the butt and cylinder if the true SN was something different? Why not just use the factory SN?

 

[Jaeger2000]

Jaeger,


I keep forgetting to ask if you would look here again and post clear pics---

There should be a number on the frame behind the yoke, and a number on the yoke.
Could we see them?

The number on the frame matches the number on the bottom of the grip. There is no visible number on the yoke.

 

[DWalt]

The number on the frame matches the number on the bottom of the grip. There is no visible number on the yoke.

Where on the frame? Is there anything stamped on the back side of the extractor star?

 

[Jim Watson]

Maybe the "V" of a WWII contract gun was lost in the process of rounding the butt. Hence V 202XXX

 

[DWalt]

Maybe the "V" of a WWII contract gun was lost in the process of rounding the butt. Hence V 202XXX

No V on the rear cylinder face SN.

 

[StrawHat]

Long distance forensic dissection of a revolver!

I come here to learn and everyday find something.

Kevin