Model of 1953 Kit Gun Question

[JeffD607]

I have a Model of 1953 .22 Kit Gun with a question regarding matching serial numbers. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Ed., the serial number is stamped on the butt, cylinder face, yoke, right grip panel, and barrel flat. The serial number on the butt, cylinder face, right grip panel and the barrel flat all match. The number on the yoke is different and matches a corresponding number on the yoke cut. I would assume that this is a matching serial number gun as the yoke cut and the butt of the gun is all one piece. Can anybody shed some light on this? Thanks

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Hi Jeff. Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The numbers you picture and refer to are called "assembly numbers," not serial numbers. Assembly numbers are used to keep fitted parts together during manufacturing. The yoke serial is located on the rear of the yoke arm and can be viewed by looking through the cylinder chambers.

 

[ken158]

When the yoke is fitted to the gun an assembly number is applied and matched back to the frame after finishing.

 

[Elroy]

The yoke serial is located on the rear of the yoke arm and can be viewed by looking through the cylinder chambers.

What the Grassguy said.

The serial number would be stamped on the rear of the yoke surface, perpendicular to the swing axis of the yoke. That surface would be parallel and in close proximity to the front face of the cylinder.

As stated above, "look through the cylinder chambers"

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

That's a beautiful Model of 1953 New I frame. Congrats!

We can give you a pretty close estimate of when it was shipped with the serial # or partial #.

 

[JeffD607]

Yep, another mystery solved! Thank you gentlemen. The serial number is 19272.

 

[rct269]

To take it a step further, I think (but don't know for sure and certain) the "assembly numbers" were assigned/used prior to the assignment of a serial number.

Another thing I'm thinking but not knowing is this was done in order to "preserve" any given serial number in the event it was necessary to scrap a frame after the assignment of that number. The only operation which comes to mind, which if unsuccessful, would necessitate scrapping a frame is the fitting of the sideplate---which I'm told involved some robust whammity-bamming!

I'm pretty sure this arises from a SWAG, rather than any authoritative input, but who knows---I might've gotten lucky!

Ralph Tremaine