K-22 date of manufacture

[Lawman-68]

Hello,

I recently acquired a one-owner K-22 6" from a family member and am trying to determine the Date of Manufacture if anyone can help me out:

The yoke is stamped with:
MOD. 17-2
K482xxx

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The serial number indicates it was made in 1962, but the official ship or sales date may be that or a later year. Also, S & W did not ship in serial number order so exact age predictions are not easy.

A letter of authenticity from the S & W Historical Foundation will give you the exact official age:

Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

 

[Lawman-68]

Much appreciated!,

 

[JP@AK]

I agree with Alan. 1962 is a likely ship date, based on nearby serial numbers with a confirmed date. The -2 was introduced in 1961, so those were well into a production run by the time yours appeared.

The only way to be sure when and where it was sent is to purchase a letter from the S&W Historical Foundation as Alan asserted.

 

[jeffrefrig]

It's also a pretty nice gun. The more you know about it will make it make it worth more to YOU, the owner. I have a couple more that need lettered myself!