Laser etched 10-11

[grgjhnsn]

I picked up a model 10 that was in need of a new barrel (cracked forcing cone) to fix up as a shooter.
But after I cleaned it off , I noticed that it was laser etched entirely by Smith no roll stamping at all and all barrel info was on the right side leaving the left side blank (the S&W logo and cartridge info).
there was also a serial number under the cylinder on the left side just above the trigger and none on the butt. Though there was a serial number etched under the grip on the left side on the forward strap.
I tried researching the serial number CEY1885 , but could not find the serial number had ever been used , but the range did put in around the 1997 area. and it had that goofy MIM trigger and hammer.
My question is was this normal , or was it some sort of special edition or test gun ?
Should I go ahead fix it as planned or leave it as is and offer it up to a collecter ?
Thanks for any help

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The s/n on the left side below the frame window is not uncommon. S&W inscribed serial numbers there in the 2000 to 2002 time frame. Not every gun, but a large percentage.

Neither is the CEY s/n prefix anything special. I've seen them before. It dates to.....

October 2001.

I can't recall seeing a laser etched Model 10, but someone at Smith bought a machine about that time, and they issued a number of models that were laser etched.

They were not well received, and did not sell well. Today they show up from time to time and typically sell for LESS than an identical unadorned gun.

In my view you have the perfect donor gun for your project. Should make a great shooter.

 

[KidVermin]

In the late 90's, S&W factory offered a std laser job on any revolver for ~$65, if I recall. I sent in my 48 along with a customers 13 and they were returned in about two weeks with attractive scroll work. That offer didn't last too long.

 

[grgjhnsn]

Thanks for the info Guys ,
I had fondled many a Smith over the years , but most were of the 60's to 80's era and this was a new one on me and the Standard catalog was no help.
and just did not want to mess up something a collector might want .

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Collectors normally aren't attracted to guns with cracked forcing cones and no box.

 

[grgjhnsn]

Also had two guns 10-11 of the same age that both had cracked forcing cones and did not seem to have a regular bluing , was nice and dark but I stripped one of them and it appeared copper washed. and if I remember correctly copper or bronze will kill your salts .
any idea if they playing with the metallurgy and coatings in the late 1990's early 2000's .
The cones , were most likely from the same source and may have tried too hot of ammo or such.