Production Date Request

[RMS272829]

I recently acquired a 22 Combat Masterpiece. S/N: K 176723. Can someone give me the estimated production date for my new to me revolver?
It does have the target grips with a R 5909 code stamped on the inside of the right hand grip. I assume having a different number on the grip means these grips are a after sale installation. The 5909 does not match the assembly number on the frame & yoke.

 

[murphydog]

Looks to be a 1953 produced gun. Target stocks were very rarely stamped with a serial number so any markings would be unusual. Enjoy!

 

[Alk8944]

I recently acquired a 22 Combat Masterpiece. S/N: K 176723. Can someone give me the estimated production date for my new to me revolver?
It does have the target grips with a R 5909 code stamped on the inside of the right hand grip. I assume having a different number on the grip means these grips are a after sale installation. The 5909 does not match the assembly number on the frame & yoke.

The year is probably 1953.

The R5909 is the right hand stock and the 5909 the part number for that side. The Left stock will be either L5908 or L5910. Yes, they were probably S&W stocks sold as replacements and not original to the gun. The stocks are much newer than your gun.

 

[JP@AK]

Looks to be a 1953 produced gun.

I agree. K175537, also a .22 Combat Masterpiece, shipped in May, 1953.

 

[RMS272829]

I agree. K175537, also a .22 Combat Masterpiece, shipped in May, 1953.

Per the book Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson guns made in 1952 have the S/N between K136691 to K175637, while guns made in 153 have a range of K175638 to K210095. If this information is correct then guns S/N K175537 should have been made in 1952 and my S/N K176723 would have been an early January 1953 gun.

 

[JP@AK]

Per the book Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson guns made in 1952 have the S/N between K136691 to K175637, while guns made in 153 have a range of K175638 to K210095. If this information is correct then guns S/N K175537 should have been made in 1952 and my S/N K176723 would have been an early January 1953 gun.

Two problems with this.
1. Serial ranges in the Standard Catalog are always approximations. Close, but not always precise. Keep in mind that the logs from the floor supervisor are not available to the collecting fraternity since they are privately owned and have not been released. Also, frames were not assembled in serial order.
2. In the S&W world, we go by ship date for the "birthday" of any revolver or pistol. Those records are available. Hence, we look at ship dates, not manufacture date.

As noted in my previous post, we have firm evidence of adjustable sight K frames in the K175000 range shipping in 1953. Hence, the OP's revolver most likely shipped that year. But without a letter based on a records search, it is just an estimate..

 

[RMS272829]

I guess I should join the SWCA to get the best data.
Thanks.

 

[kwill1911]

^^^^^^^This^^^^^^

 

[DWalt]

Standard grips for the CMs of that time were normally Magnas. Anything else would very probably have been added later.