Odd serial number

[c4racer]

In looking at a J frame, I'm seeing what to me is an odd serial number. 83J8. Can anyone tell me about that?
Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

In 1971-'72 the factory used the letter J plus five digits, and created extra SNs by moving the letter within the six characters, the so-called "floating J" series. The range was from 1J1 to 999J99 so 83J would be from 1971.

 

[Art Doc]

Learn something new everyday. Thanks.