No Serial Number on Barrel = Always a Replacement?

[Aleck]

On a post-war/pre-1961 N-Frame revolver (4- or 5-screw, before model numbers), does the lack of a serial number on the barrel always mean that the barrel has been replaced? Or did some portion of S&W's production during this period ship without serial numbers on their barrels?

How about cylinders? Does the lack of a serial number on the face always mean that the cylinder has been replaced?

Thanks.

 

[VM]

On a post-war/pre-1961 N-Frame revolver (4- or 5-screw, before model numbers), does the lack of a serial number on the barrel always mean that the barrel has been replaced? Or did some portion of S&W's production during this period ship without serial numbers on their barrels?

How about cylinders? Does the lack of a serial number on the face always mean that the cylinder has been replaced?

Thanks.

No, and No
We've discussed this in a few threads before.....I have an original pre 29, 4 screw in the S172 thousand range that lacks both serial number stampings.

 

[29aholic]

Welcome to the forum

VM is correct.
I have a gun in the S152XXX range that does not have the numbers stamped where I would expect them. I spoke to Roy about this and he said the Factory in those days was prone to certain short cuts (my words not his) when production schedules were tight.

 

[Aleck]

Thanks — can you point me to any of the threads discussing this? I didn't have much success searching for them...

 

[seattleM29]

I just had to replace a barrel on a Pre 14. The original has the serial number on the flat area on the bottom of the barrel. The new barrel has no serial number. Glad to know S&W sometimes just didn't put one there as I was maybe thinking this was new old stock or something, especially since the new barrel looks like it's never had a round down the tube.

 

[CT Smith Fan]

Welcome Navy,check out some of the tags at the bottom of the various threads,you may find more info.I also agree with VM and Curtis,some pre 29's have s/n's on the barrel and cylinder and some don't.Enjoy the forum!

 

[Art Doc]

I think it's one of those cases where the number is supposed to be there; it's usually there; but the absence of the number isn't a guarantee the barrel is non-original.

But if I were buying such a gun I would sure tell the seller the price was high for a gun with a replacement barrel.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Saxon,

Well put!

Tom