New Model 3 Target Serial Numbers 2700 to 2899

[BMur]

Lettered?

Is serial number 2816 lettered? If so does it letter with a lanyard? I’ll bet it doesn’t.

I think these guns were originally numbered in the 18,000 serial number range, pulled to install lanyards as part of a contract, the machinist soft stamped the number on the grip frame, removed the number on the butt, machined them all for lanyards. Then the contract didn’t go through or perhaps they accidentally machined too many so they sat in a pile together and some time later became target guns which required the blank installed and diagonal serial number stamp. The original serial number stamped under the grip frame was overlooked or ignored.

The letter request should come up with No records found.

*** Threaded bosses for lanyards normally don’t thread all the way to the bottom. There is normally a gap. If the factory installed a threaded blank it would be very clean work and flush mounted. Just like the main spring adjustment screw. I’m not seeing a screw on the Winchester shipped gun but the photo doesn’t clearly show the bottom of the gun. No reason for a lanyard on a target gun. Target sights can’t be holstered without being damaged.

Murph

 

[Boulder350]

Serial number 2816 is not lettered.

 

[Masterpiece]

If the factory installed a threaded blank it would be very clean work and flush mounted. Just like the main spring adjustment screw.

Murph,

As to the above quote...That isn't the way the threaded hole was filled on S&W Revolvers of that era...They installed a Screw very close to the one on Mark's Revolver with the Head protruding above the Frame...Not "Flush" with it!!

Reason I made mention earlier there was a remote possibility his may not be the "Exact" Type Screw they used is due to the fact the angle at which the Photo was taken of the Screw's Head it's hard get a good read on it...Although in my opinion it's very close if it isn't correct!!

Edit: Please take note to the Photo I've attached to compare a known Orig. Filler Screw to the Filler Screw Photo on Mark's Revolver from Post 13...You'll see they're very close, if not nearly identical...Hope this helps!!

 

[Boulder350]

Here is a side view picture of the lanyard filler screw of 2816.

 

[BMur]

Blank

Mark,
Thanks for posting that photo. That photo clearly shows that the head of the screw is countersunk into the frame. The threads do not meet the flat. In other words it’s not threaded all the way to the end of the boss.

That’s what I would expect from machining in the late 1890’s. The flush dome screw was way obsolete by the time your gun was shipped.
Photo 1 shows what the proper machined threaded blank should look like. The head of the screw is countersunk into the frame.

The only domed screw blanks I’ve ever seen that were claimed factory legit are from very early production and even those I honestly doubt are factory because that method does not meet basic machining styles of that era. They do not look like clean machine work. They look like Bubba installed them.

I guarantee that if you were to remove that threaded blank you would see what I posted in photo 2. Which means the boss is countersunk to except the head below the deck or flat. That was the basic machining technique commonly used during that period.

I couldn’t see that in your first photo.

You can also clearly see from your photo that the main spring adjustment screw was machined exactly the same.

So that’s most definitely a factory installed blank.

It also clearly supports that this gun left the factory with that blank and therefore the records are correct. It was machined for one at the factory but never received one prior to shipping. My theory fits.


Murph

 

[Boulder350]

I just found some more pictures of serial number 2795. It too has the serial number cross ways on the bottom of the frame with a filler screw in the lanyard ring hole. This proves all 3 of these guns were drilled for lanyard rings

 

[Boulder350]

The historical letter came back on my gun with the 2 serial numbers. The second serial number, 18337 which is stamped on on the side of the frame under the grips, is listed as open on the books as a New Model No. 3. in 44 Russian. The letter states the other guns I found, serial numbers 18354 and 18356, are also open on the books. The letter also states the serial numbers around this were shipped to Wexell & De Gress, New York City April 4th, 1883. The letter says they were a major exporter to Mexico.

It looks like my revolver sat in inventory for quite a few years before it was pulled from stock and was converted to 32-44 as serial number 2823. As a New Model No. 3 Target in 32-44 it shipped November 11, 1895. That's 12 years after the frame started life as a SA revolver in 44 Russian.

Interesting history on this old girl.

Thanks Don and Roy

 

[Schof45]

Hi Mark,
Sorry for not seeing this post earlier. I have serial number 2876 and no 3134 in my collection.
The first one is in nickel, not drilled for a lanyard ring and no serial number on the frame under the grip.
No 3134 is in blue, not drilled for a lanyard ring either, it has the number 4 stamped on the frame under the grip. The serial number is also scratched in on the back of the right hand grip.
Please let me know if you would like any additional information.

 

[Boulder350]

Thanks Petter. I seams like the double serial numbers are only on blued guns in this serial range. I found another blued SA Target drilled for a lanyard ring and plugged with a screw in the 2400 range. Its overseas and I need to send a letter to the owner asking if has the double serial number too.