Model 36 Serial Number question

[JRMTactical]

Recently purchased a Model 36 round butt (no dash), wanted a summer “hideout” gun that I wasn’t afraid to shoot or get dusty.
Anyway, the serial number is 96J333 stamped on the butt. Anybody know what the two digits before the J are for? I have a Standard Book of S&W, I’ve got a few Smiths in my stash…just don’t ever remember their being numbers stamped BEFORE the J-prefix guns serial numbers. The only other numbers are stamped on the yoke, no other stamps on the frame except the usual “Mod. 36”
Figured somebody here would know.
Thanks!
-Bobby

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hi, Bobby,

Yes, several folks here know.

Smith & Wesson Historian Dr. Roy G. Jinks, called that serial number series the "roving J series." It began in 1970 at serial number 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99. . Sandwiched amid two to five digits, one to three digits before it and one to four after it, the J made its methodical march toward the right. Serial number 9J9999 preceded 10J1; serial number 99J999 preceded 100J1 and so forth.

Based on others in the database, I'd estimate yours shipped in 1972.

Bob

 

[A10]

We lovingly refer to them as the Floating J's...

 

[JRMTactical]

Hi, Bobby,

Yes, several folks here know.

Smith & Wesson Historian Dr. Roy G. Jinks, called that serial number series the "roving J series." It began in 1970 at serial number 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99. . Sandwiched amid two to five digits, one to three digits before it and one to four after it, the J made its methodical march toward the right. Serial number 9J9999 preceded 10J1; serial number 99J999 preceded 100J1 and so forth.

Based on others in the database, I'd estimate yours shipped in 1972.

Bob

Thanks very much. That’s what’s frustrating about the Standard Book. It’s a great resource but it lacks some information (or the information is in it but I haven’t found it).

 

[JP@AK]

or the information is in it but I haven’t found it.

Page 489 in the 4th Edition, page 584 in the 5th Edition.