Pre- Model 40, ship date?

[JMD999]

A Pre-Model 40 Centennial, .38 special, (no model # stamped) "lemon squeezer", 4 screw, flat latch, pinned bbl, smooth trigger, with Spegel boot grips just adopted me. Its not "purist collectible" as appears it was plated in chrome or nickel w/o orig grips or box, but it looks like it was done yesterday, no cylinder drag lines, 98%(but not original finish-I assumed) ...so maybe chrome (bright matte finish)?
(No factory "N" stamps). looks like someone wanted a top shelf weatherproof pocket gun before stainless. Ser #10,08X (early 50's?).
Any idea when this shipped? I'll letter it just because it deserves one.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[murphydog]

These were slow sellers back in the '50s and '60s, and many four-screw examples didn't ship until well into the three-screw era, so difficult to even guess at the ship date.

A letter sounds like a great idea, please let us know.

 

[TLflag]

The first Model 40's came out 1 Dec 1952, with full production 26 Aug 1953. I have serial number 3564 and had 5536. I have a 1954 date of production of the 3564, no letter. Matching smooth high horn grips and red box. Know of another Model 40, serial number 5694, January 55.

 

[444 Magnum]

This thread needs a picture.

Here's mine. # 81xx

 

[JMD999]

This thread needs a picture.

Here's mine. # 65xx

Thanks 444, Nice Original example! does yours have any "N" stamps? I'm trying to figure out "uploading pic's". Mine looks like it has a "bead blasted" type matte finish.
Thanks, Mike

 

[444 Magnum]

Thanks 444, Nice Original example! does yours have any "N" stamps? I'm trying to figure out "uploading pic's". Mine looks like it has a "bead blasted" type matte finish.
Thanks, Mike

Edited my post: Serial # 81xx

Numbers matching on butt, cylinder and barrel flat. No "N" on cylinder or frame. Polished nickel and matte in different areas. Not perfect, just nice. Got it from my father.

Here's some pics without the grips and open cylinder.

I blurred the last two digits.

 

[JMD999]

Thanks for the pic's, appreciate your info i posted a ****** pic in the forum. as i cant figure out photos yet.
Smiles, Mike

 

[444 Magnum]

I'm trying to figure out "uploading pic's". Mike

See if this helps.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_attachments


.

 

[JMD999]

"Note" - the absence of "N" stamps on above Pre-Mod 40. 444's looks original to me.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Look beneath the extractor star and on the bottom of the barrel for an "N". If it ain't there, it's probably not nickel originally.

 

[444 Magnum]

I've looked all over this pistol- barrel flats, extractor star, etc. If there's an N or a B, I can't find it. There are threads about the N and the serial number locations and when they were moved or omitted, but my mind only retains so much...

This pistol has crisp edges, proud and domed pins, smooth seams, crisp stampings, unturned screws, and unmolested matte areas. If it's a re-nickle, then I'm finished buying nickel pistols because I obviously don't know what I'm looking at.

 

[JMD999]

I've looked all over this pistol- barrel flats, extractor star, etc. If there's an N or a B, I can't find it. There are threads about the N and the serial number locations and when they were moved or omitted, but my mind only retains so much...

This pistol has crisp edges, rounded/raised pins, smooth seams, crisp stampings, unturned screws, and unmolested matte areas. If it's a re-nickle, then I'm finished buying nickel pistols because I obviously don't know what I'm looking at.

I have also read similar about lettered nickel guns with no "N".
Thats why I said "Note". as 444's looks right.
Mike

 

[Dosgatos]

The first Model 40's came out 1 Dec 1952, with full production 26 Aug 1953. I have serial number 3564 and had 5536. I have a 1954 date of production of the 3564, no letter. Matching smooth high horn grips and red box. Know of another Model 40, serial number 5694, January 55.

I have nickel 5436 which left the factory 4/54. I can't see behind the extractor star (even with a magnifying glass - I'm old) but the barrel has has an "N" before the serial number.

 

[Retired W4]

I have always thought it was strange/funny that S&W supplied a pin so you could defeat the grip safety. I had one that still retained the pin. I guess S&W didn't have too many lawyers looking over their shoulder then. Most of those guns I have seen since were missing the little pin.

 

[JMD999]

Just remember the guy with the N stamp was human, and ate lunch and went to the restroom. Some guns got missed. Have had a few that lettered as nickel with no stamp.

I have also read similar about lettered nickel guns with no "N".
Thats why I said "Note". as 444's looks right.
Mike

There i found it!
Smiles, Mike

 

[JMD999]

I have always thought it was strange/funny that S&W supplied a pin so you could defeat the grip safety. I had one that still retained the pin. I guess S&W didn't have too many lawyers looking over their shoulder then. Most of those guns I have seen since were missing the little pin.

I know, you wouldn't see that today! no pin in mine, safety works fine, it will be pinned for CCW.
Smiles, Mike