Mismatched Part Numbers

[3T'sX3]

I have an N-Frame revolver made in 1969. It is in Like New condition with very few signs of use. Close examination has revealed that the serial number on the back of the extractor star does not match the serial number on the frame. Another clue is that the finish on the cylinder does not match the finish on the barrel. The cylinder is not as highly polished as the barrel. I am stumped and don't know what to make of this in a gun that looks like it just came from the factory.

Did the factory ship guns with mismatched part numbers in the 1960's?
Could this be a so called "floor-sweep" gun?
Could the gun have been returned to the factory for warranty work and parts replaced?
What effect does this have on the value of the gun?
Would a factory letter tell me if the gun had been returned and repaired or modified in some way?

What is up with this?

 

[DCWilson]

I have an N-Frame revolver made in 1969. It is in Like New condition with very few signs of use. Close examination has revealed that the serial number on the back of the extractor star does not match the serial number on the frame. Another clue is that the finish on the cylinder does not match the finish on the barrel. The cylinder is not as highly polished as the barrel. I am stumped and don't know what to make of this in a gun that looks like it just came from the factory.

Did the factory ship guns with mismatched part numbers in the 1960's?
Could this be a so called "floor-sweep" gun?
Could the gun have been returned to the factory for warranty work and parts replaced?
What effect does this have on the value of the gun?
Would a factory letter tell me if the gun had been returned and repaired or modified in some way?

What is up with this?

If the gun had gone back to the factory, it would not have ended up with parts numbered to some other gun entirely.

To a collector, the gun's value would be diminished -- but a collector probably would not be looking at a 1969 gun anyway unless it was new in box or had some other distinguishing excellence. A recent gun in good condition, like this one, will be valued in terms of its performance and general appearance. If timing, carry-up and accuracy are all fine, it will be valued on its utility.

I would guess that the gun showed a problem at some point and a non-factory gunsmith, working with the options open at the moment, took a cylinder from a donor gun as the cheapest way to effect an improvement. As an alternative theory, a gunsmith working on two similar guns at the same time might inadvertently have swapped cylinders -- but I find this the less likely event.

A factory letter would tell you the date the gun was shipped and its recipient, but would not tell you of any subsequent repairs. If the gun had gone back to the factory early in its life, you would expect to see some frame stamping under the grip that might testify to handling, though they would not necessarily let you know what work was done.

I have a couple of guns with mismatched parts, but they are older and have been through circumstances in which armorers may well have switched parts to keep a unit in service when it began to show problems.

Did you buy the gun recently? Any chance of learning from a previous owner what it's history may have involved?

Actually, can you post pics that would let us see what it is you are describing?

 

[3T'sX3]

David, thanks for the reply. Yes, this is a recent mail order purchace. I was not able to physically inspect the gun prior to purchace and their is no history available. The serial number on the frame has an S prefix dating to 1969. The 6 digit serial number on the back of the extractor star dates to 1967, assuming it is an S series part. The extractor could also have come from an N series gun which would date it to about 1974. I think you have answered my question. The gun was not shipped from the factory this way. I just cannot understand why it would be neccessary to replace the extractor and possibly the cylinder in a gun that looks factory new. The gun was supplied with the correct Bangor Punta blue box numbered to the gun, manual, paper and unopened tool packet. Oh well. Another unsolved mystery.

Thanks

 

[S&W revolverman]

Mismatched part numbers

I know there are work numbers on specific parts, fitted to that particular frame, that will/should match up to the work number on the side of the butt. This may not necessarily be the serial number. This would include the sideplate.

chris