I recently acquired a S&W Model 1-1/2 .32 third issue, serial number 586XX. I'd like to confirm the serial numbers match, but not sure where they are located. I thought the SN was stamped into the inside of the right grip, but mine does not have any number(s). I was told that some models did not have the serial number stamped in the grip. Anyway, can one of you knowledgeable S&W gurus tell me where the SNs are located and should I have one on the inside of the right grip? I appreciate any information shared. Thanks!
Model 1-1/2 Serial Number
- Thread starter jimbo56
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From what I see in SCSW, serial number are found on cylinder face, barrel, frame, top latch, and grips. Although it says grips might have a hand written number. Hope this helps. Others much smarter than me will shed more insight
Welcome to the Forum. I have never heard of a 3rd Issue Model 1 1/2?? There were 2 versions of the old tip-up Model 1 1/2 rimfire and a 32 Single Action, which was also called a Model 1 1/2 Single Action. The later gun was a centerfire topbreak gun.
The rimfire tip-up had a serial number stamped on the butt and the right stock, but all other locations were matched by the use of assembly numbers or letters. Front of the cylinder, rear of the barrel assembly ahead of the cylinder, and inside the left side of the butt frame, behind the stock should have matching assembly numbers.
The centerfire top-break had 5 locations to look for a serial number. The butt, inside the right stock, rear of the cylinder, under the top latch, and between the ears of the top barrel frame on either side of the latch notch.
The rimfire tip-up had a serial number stamped on the butt and the right stock, but all other locations were matched by the use of assembly numbers or letters. Front of the cylinder, rear of the barrel assembly ahead of the cylinder, and inside the left side of the butt frame, behind the stock should have matching assembly numbers.
The centerfire top-break had 5 locations to look for a serial number. The butt, inside the right stock, rear of the cylinder, under the top latch, and between the ears of the top barrel frame on either side of the latch notch.
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Gary, thank you for the clarification. My gun is the Model 1-1/2 Single Action with the top-break. The person I got the gun from claims it was all original, including the grips. I've found SNs in all the locations you indicated, except for inside the right grip. Should I suspect the grips were replaced, or is it possible that mine are original but have no SN on it? Thanks!
Anything is possible when it comes to what might happen in the factory. As a rule, all S&W guns from 1857 until around the turn of the century had serial numbers stamped inside the right stock. It was the way the factory kept track of the stocks as the revolver went through final finish and assembly. Therefore, chances are good that your 38 SA would have left the factory with serial numbered stocks.
S&W did not ship their guns in serial number order, but the popular sellers did not lay around very long. They would have shipped mostly in order. The 32 SA must have been a slow moving revolver, since there is no corrrelation between serial number and ship dates. As a guess, your gun should have left the factory around 1890, but it could be a few years either way.
S&W did not ship their guns in serial number order, but the popular sellers did not lay around very long. They would have shipped mostly in order. The 32 SA must have been a slow moving revolver, since there is no corrrelation between serial number and ship dates. As a guess, your gun should have left the factory around 1890, but it could be a few years either way.
I have two Mod 1 1/2 (CF) Single Action .32's, both 2nd Issue, one s/n 2062X shipped Mar 1879, and s/n 8837X which shipped Aug 1887. By deduction yours probably shipped around 1883.
Look like the lower two of these?
Look like the lower two of these?
opoefc
US Veteran
Yes, There's a link on this Forum , and on the S&W factory web page, to the application form for a Factory Historical letter. The letter will tell you when the gun was shipped, where and to whom and the configuration of the gun when it left S&W. Cost is $50. Be very sure to include all info. on your gun, with a photo, if possible, in the application, as there are numerous variations of the .32 SA. Ed.
Help
I'm trying to determine what year my Smith was made. It has been passed down within the family. It was originally my great, great uncle's, so he may have been the original owner.
I know from pictures, it's a Model 1 1/2. It's a top break. I've been told that makes it a 3rd issue?
Serial number is 42524
Frank
I'm trying to determine what year my Smith was made. It has been passed down within the family. It was originally my great, great uncle's, so he may have been the original owner.
I know from pictures, it's a Model 1 1/2. It's a top break. I've been told that makes it a 3rd issue?
Serial number is 42524
Frank
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It won't let me post this picture saved in my OneDrive. Suggestions on posting the picture?
It won't let me post this picture saved in my OneDrive. Suggestions on posting the picture?
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Welcome to the Forum. It is always better to start a new thread when asking about a new topic, since members may miss one buried in another thread.
Your revolver is best known as a 38 Single Action, 2nd Model and not a Model 1 1/2 due to the very discussioon had about the preceeding gun. The Model 1 1/2 is accepted by most collectors as a tip-up rimfire revolver, while the 38 Single Action, 2nd signifies a top-break spur trigger.
This model was made from 1877 to 1891, with over 108,000 made. Recorded dates in your serial number range are sparse, but probably left the factory somewhere around 1880. It is chambered in 38 S&W caliber. Since it is a family heirloom, you might want to consider a factory letter to be kept with the gun for future generations.
As for photos, read through this link for help. http://smith-wessonforum.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_attachments
Your revolver is best known as a 38 Single Action, 2nd Model and not a Model 1 1/2 due to the very discussioon had about the preceeding gun. The Model 1 1/2 is accepted by most collectors as a tip-up rimfire revolver, while the 38 Single Action, 2nd signifies a top-break spur trigger.
This model was made from 1877 to 1891, with over 108,000 made. Recorded dates in your serial number range are sparse, but probably left the factory somewhere around 1880. It is chambered in 38 S&W caliber. Since it is a family heirloom, you might want to consider a factory letter to be kept with the gun for future generations.
As for photos, read through this link for help. http://smith-wessonforum.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_attachments
Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I believe that is a .38 Single Action 2nd Model (Model 2) made between 1880-84. The 1-1/2 is a .32 S&W caliber with a bird's head grip. To get the picture into your text, you will have to upload it to the forum as an attachment.
) late, as usual.)
) late, as usual.)
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Not sure Guy. Roy & Robert's book says 38 SA 2nd manufactured from 1877 to 1891, but you are right about it other name being Model 2 (the reference I am trying to remove from our vocabulary).
The Model 1 1/2 to me is the 32 rimfire tip-up and the 32 centerfire is the 32 Single Action. I remain steadfast in trying to encourage the use of Model 1 1/2 and Model 2 for the early rimfire revolvers and the more standard Single Action model names for the top-breaks. The problem in using the Model 2 for the centerfire revolver is that there were actually 3 different models, but we cannot call the one here a Model 2, 2nd Model??
The Model 1 1/2 to me is the 32 rimfire tip-up and the 32 centerfire is the 32 Single Action. I remain steadfast in trying to encourage the use of Model 1 1/2 and Model 2 for the early rimfire revolvers and the more standard Single Action model names for the top-breaks. The problem in using the Model 2 for the centerfire revolver is that there were actually 3 different models, but we cannot call the one here a Model 2, 2nd Model??
I feel your pain. The terminology and dates are in the SCSW, 4th. Plus, there is an introductory page on the confusion over the 1-1/2 tipup and the 1-1/2 top break. What you are saying makes sense to me, but then, I'm the guy who believes all M&P's with a rebound slide made up to the Victory are Model 1905's whether they are round or square butts 
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