Plastic medallions 1950?

[crsides]

I have seen some S&W stocks with the gray plastic medallions from the early 50's. I understood they replaced the nickel plated brass medallions due to war time shortages, but I have a couple 1947 guns that have nickel plated brass medallions. Anyone know when S&W started using the plastic medallions?

 

[Doc44]

Early 1950s, but only for a short time. Roy Jinks described plastic S&W monograms as a "failed experiment".

Bill

 

[chiefdave]

If memory serves me correctly There was a copper shortage during the Korean war. That's also why early 50's trucks had painted bumpers and grills.

 

[Hoosier45]

I owned a set of Sharp Should N Magnas with plastic medallions, the wood was in bad shape and I dipped them in acetone not knowing about the plastic medallions at that point...in which they “melted” away. I believe they were in the S 79xxx-81xxx range? I will see if I still have them.

 

[Hondo44]

I have seen some S&W stocks with the gray plastic medallions from the early 50's. I understood they replaced the nickel plated brass medallions due to war time shortages, but I have a couple 1947 guns that have nickel plated brass medallions. Anyone know when S&W started using the plastic medallions?

Not till after the war began: Jun 25, 1950 – Jul 27, 1953.

S&W also used steel medallions during and/or following the plastic period.

 

[Culina]

I just sold a K38 combat masterpiece from 1951 that had the plastic medallions, I found out when one of the posts broke off and the washer fell off the back.

 

[153]

Since we are talking about medallions ... how long were the Model 60 medallions made out of stainless steel?

 

[1Aspenhill]

I have a 1952 Heavy Duty with plastic medallions.

 

[lestert357]

Is there an easy way to visually identify the plastic medallions?

 

[Doc44]

Plastic S&W monograms are more gray in color and also a little duller.

Bill

 

[VM]

Is there an easy way to visually identify the plastic medallions?

Terry, it’s pretty easy to see difference and ID the plastic ones when they are in your hands.
Pictured for comparison, plastic is on right in both pics.
Easy to spot plastic rivot holding washers.

 

[Speedo2]

Is there an easy way to visually identify the plastic medallions?

Don't dip them in acetone! I've had the same experience as Hoosier45. Like the old Led Zeppelin song: "...we learn from both fools and sages". -S2

 

[Hondo44]

And the stainless medallions will stick to a magnet while the standard nickel covered brass of course will not.