Model 41 First Serial Number Debate

[pinkm1978]

I recently had a 41 U.S. military lettered and was surprised by the first serial number Mr. Jinks stated for model 41. The letter stated September 17th, 1957 serial number 3193 started the new automatic series. 1401 is the number stated as the first production series 41 in the Standard Catalog for Smith and Wesson.

Has anybody seen or own lower than 3193?

Mike

 

[Aussie Collector]

There is no debate the first production serial number was 3001.
The 4th edition of standard Catalog of S&W has the correct serial number listed.
I have seen lower than 3193.

edit;
Can you post the letter I would like to read it in full context.
Does he mean first shipped.
First one made
First one finished

 

[Barrie]

Sure wish I owned the 1st one as my asking price would be rather High.

 

[pinkm1978]

Attached is the first page of the letter to provide some more context.

Mike

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks. Looks like he means the first one finished.

 

[stevee]

I hope this helps, but I do have a 41 with a serial number lower than 3193, so 3001 sounds right. It is a 7.5 barrel with the muzzle break.

Steve

 

[kwill1911]

Attached is the first page of the letter to provide some more context.

Mike

Would it be possible to get a larger version of this posted? The second page would also be helpful if you don't mind posting it.

 

[kidcom]

Unfortunately, because the image of the page is so small old guys like me with not the best vision, can't properly read it. Posting a larger image would be greatly appreciated....

 

[Tom S.]

Better yet, post as a PDF file that can be opened and enlarged.

 

[pinkm1978]

Attached is a PDF version of the letter. Hopefully everybody can read it now, let me know if you cannot.

Mike

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks.
Some great information in this letter for those that have not see a model 41 letter.
Apart from what we discussed, all in all a great letter, well done securing this model 41 and the accompanying letter.

 

[kwill1911]

Letters like this is where the number 1401 came from:

 

[Aussie Collector]

The first instance of the 1401 error was published in 1977 in the history of Smith & Wesson, every book that followed had the (same) wrong number.

 

[stevee]

My Model 41 has a serial number lower than 3193. Does that mean that is a pre-production gun? Was purchased from the estate of a big collector, gun appears to be unfired, unfortunately they could not locate the box/paperwork. At the time of purchase I just felt fortunate to buy the gun.

VR,
Steve

 

[Aussie Collector]

Steve your gun is an early one would have to be first year. Not a pre production gun.

The way guns are made is not like a car production line, first on first off.
Guns are made in batches, frames stamped then shuffled in a few processes and loose the numbering order.