Model 41 - serial numbers and dates

[ridewv]

I'm guessing my 74192 was made around 1965 then.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

S&W 41 741XX Jun-65
S&W 41 747XX Aug-65
As usual, Contact Jinks/S&W for actual SHIP date

 

[ridewv]

Thank you, Tom!

 

[oldRoger]

Tom;
I bought 795XX from H.H.Harris (S&W Distributors) March, 25-1967. Guns moved out of there quite fast so I wouldn’t imagine it was there long.
Roger

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

S&W 41 794XX Mar-67
As usual Jinks/S&W for your SHIP date

 

[Ken_KJS]

Date on early Model 41?

Hi all,

I am trying to get a bit of information on the date of a Model 41 I have owned since the 1980s. I had always assumed it was from the 1960s but decided to do a little research and am thinking it is probably a 57.

The serial number is 3228 which is stamped above the model number on the side of the frame. If they started the numbering at 3001 and they shared these numbers with other Smith & Wesson handguns would this be an early 1957 gun?

Any rough estimate of value would be appreciated. I have the original box but no paperwork. The gun is in very good to excellent condition. Some slight wear to the bluing at the end of the muzzle brake otherwise near perfect.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[Aussie Collector]

G’day Mate,
Welcome to the forum.
Great looking Model 41, 3228 would be a first year gun. Don’t need the serial number to see it’s the first type.
Hate to say it but, you will find that the box is not original to that gun. Check for a serial number under the bottom section, written in white pen. That box is for a 7XXXX or higher.

 

[6string]

Besides serial #, an important feature in identifying early 41s is the absence of the "crescent moon"shaped scallops on either side of the frame just in back of the trigger. Curiously, this is also one of the features that distinguishes a 1911 from a 1911a1!
Does anybody know at what serial # S&W changed the frame design to include the scallops?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Aussie Collector]

Does anybody know at what serial # S&W changed the frame design to include the scallops?

Thanks,
Jim

Somewhere in the 15XXX range.
Cheers

 

[Ken_KJS]

Thanks Aussie,

I was suspecting the box wasn't original from other sites I looked at last night. Not sure when it got replaced, probably sometime in the 1970s.

Any idea of value for the gun? Does the first year increase the value much?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Ken KJS - the 3228 may have been shipped in 57 OR 58 - Jinks would be the best source and a letter may be in order. Things were NOT shipped OR finished Mfg. in SN order
S&W 41 31XX Oct-57
S&W 41 33XX Aug-58

 

[mxbob]

I have S/N 97157 with extendable front sight. I assume mid 1960's?
Thanks
Bob Ray

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

97157 between 67 and 69 - probably 1968, but as usual - Jinks/S&W for actual SHIP date

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks Aussie,
Any idea of value for the gun? Does the first year increase the value much?
Thanks,
Ken

I have no idea of value, being in Australia prices are very different.
As Tom pointed out, guns were not completed or shipped in order. The manufacture dates are not recorded only shipping dates. There is no doubt that the serial number was stamped in 1957. Most likely made and shipped in 57 also, a letter will tell you for sure.

My own opinion is number 3001 would be worth more also 3002 and 3003, possibly 3010 maybe a little higher.
I do not have a 41 of this type so for me I would not care if its first year, second year or third. Its the first type Model 41 that's the important point for me. With around 6000 guns fitting this the value is no different from the second or third type. My opinion only.
The condition is the value decider.
Cheers

 

[Ken_KJS]

Thanks Aussie and Tom,

I am not planning on selling the 41 so it's not a big deal, more curiosity than anything.

I did talk to one of the historians at Smith and Wesson and he confirmed that this would have shipped late 1957 or early 1958.

I guess if I really want to know I will have to spring for a letter.

Ken

 

[growr]

Recently inherited my dad's M41 and am interested in it's mfg date...the range of serial numbers is pretty wide....

I am guessing late 50's early 60's.....perhaps you eagle eyed M41 enthusiasts can refine this....SN 40085...there is no prefix on it.

Great shooter!!!

Randy

 

[greenmachine]

My M41 is sn 47xxx I believe from 1961.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

S&W 41 469XX Feb-64
S&W 41 479XX Apr-64
As usual, Jinks/S&W for your SHIP date

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

40085 probably 64

 

[troda]

How about 947xx? 1966, 67?