Model 66, markings

[khpe]

Hello,

I have just received my first S&W revolver. A brand new model 66, 4 inch, round butt, dash-6, satin matt finish, serial CFU0868.

It is a very nice piece of metal work

There is some interesting markings on it, and I wonder if any of you on this fine forum could interpret it for me. -- There is an eagle with a letter "N" under, and there is a coat-of-arms with three crowns in it (perhaps Swedish), there is also two text markings; "AD" and "AKAH". The markings is located on the frame under the yoke insert, in front of the trigger guard. The eagle is also marked alone under the barrel in front of the extractor pin shrouding.

Best Regards,
Khpe

 

[peyton]

In order to identify the markings it would help us to know where you bought the 66. The markings look like proof marks that I have on my firearms I had in Germany. You could not shoot at the gun clubs unless they had the mark. Imagine showing up at a proof house with 3 friends to help you carry your guns in.

 

[diamonback68]

As I recall, those were guns originally sold in Germany through PXs and such and re-imported back here.
The eagle over N is a German nitro proof mark and the three crowns shield indicates from Cologne Germany.

 

[khpe]

The revolver is bought new at a weapon store in Bergen, Norway.

Originally posted by peyton:
In order to identify the markings it would help us to know where you bought the 66. The markings look like proof marks that I have on my firearms I had in Germany. You could not shoot at the gun clubs unless they had the mark. Imagine showing up at a proof house with 3 friends to help you carry your guns in.

 

[Chop]

Very interesting markings. The three crowns are unique. They must be an import for Norway. Nice looking Model 66. I like the Matte finish.
I bought several handguns and a Marlin 45-70 from the PX/Rod & Gun Clubs in Europe and none had import markings.
Chop

 

[stevieboy]

Does the fact that this gun was just purchased brand new mean that S & W still makes the 66 for export?

 

[Match10]

Please note it has an IL.

 

[panamajack310]

Originally posted by khpe:

Khpe

Hi, Here is a what your markings mean...
Europe requires all firearms to meet certain standards to be allowed into Europe:

The eagle with N under it= German proof for definitive smokeless black powder.
The shield with 3 crowns= German proofing house location "KOLN"
AD=??????
AKAH= German shooting club.

I do not know what the AD stands for it could be a specific shooting club marking.
HOPE THIS HELPS..
by the way you can look up the European proof marks at the link below.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/...04/imco/genco_en.pdf

 

[pascalp]

AKAH is a large German importer ( www.akah.de).

It seems that time to time he order small run from S&W for european market. That maybe why his name appear beside regular CIP (kind of SAAMI) proof marks.

 

[khpe]

Thank you very much for your interest and your insightful replies.

As a scandinavian it was also interesting to learn that a crest with three crowns in it, not only is the national emblem of Sweden. But also for the the city of Cologne. -- The history behind this is that the fantastic Cologne Cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings that contains the relics of the Three Magi.

Regards,
khpe