Model pre 43 serial number

[CalifEd]

The 1953 .22/.32 pre-model 43 has their serial numbers on the barrel flat, cylinder face, butt and grips. No model mark.
The other pre-model .22 cousins, 17, 18, 34 and 35 also have their barrel flat and cylinders similarly marked.

I am looking at another .22/.32 Model 43 kit gun that is model marked, in the 'M' serial number range, but only on the butt and grips have the serial number.

When did S&W stop putting the serial numbers on the barrel flat and cylinder? Was there a single event, such being model marked or was there a phase out like so many other S&W changes.
If it was phase in/out, is there any discussion on when this occurred for each model?

 

[murphydog]

In theory, elimination of “soft fitting” and the beginning of model stamping in early 1958 should have been the end of numbered barrels and cylinders, but as with all things S & W exceptions are seen. Numbered Magna stocks ended in the early 1980s.

 

[JP@AK]

In theory, elimination of “soft fitting” and the beginning of model stamping in early 1958 should have been the end of numbered barrels and cylinders, but as with all things S & W exceptions are seen.

Indeed! I used to own two K-38 Masterpiece 4 screw revolvers that were assembled in 1956 (one of them has since been sold). One of them shipped in November, 1956 and the other in January, 1957. Neither of them had the serial number on the barrel flat, nor on the cylinder. It was, however, still on the yoke edge and on the extractor star.

 

[Jim Watson]

Model 43 is the Airweight, does that change things?

 

[MajorD]

As a general rule, having a model number stamp correlates with the elimination of the additional serial number locations, though as mentioned exceptions are seen

 

[Retired W4]

I just looked at my M prefix 43 and the SN is only on the butt and right grip panel. In this case I believe they just did not have the room for the SN on the frame, under the yoke. I could be wrong on that. Gotta' get another cup.

 

[CalifEd]

Thanks all.