Question About Serial No. Location

[larstusor]

I've been looking at a post war N frame (pre model number) and it has matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder and barrel (inside the ejector rod shroud) but the number stamped on the crane is totally different. Is that a separate assembly number or should it match the serial number as seen on later manufactured revolvers?

 

[H Richard]

The number in the "Yoke" area, (Colt's have cranes), is an assembly number that has no meaning outside the factory. It just kept parts together while in the process of being built.

 

[Muley Gil]

I've been looking at a post war N frame (pre model number) and it has matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder and barrel (inside the ejector rod shroud) but the number stamped on the crane is totally different. Is that a separate assembly number or should it match the serial number as seen on later manufactured revolvers?

Yes, that is an assembly number, used to keep parts together.


BTW, S&Ws have yokes; Colts have cranes.

 

[Hondo44]

You’ll find that number on yoke, yoke cut on the frame and inside of the side plate until about 1958. Then when the model number and serial number were stamped in the yoke cut, the assembly number was moved to the left side of grip frame.

It’s only benefit after the gun leaves the factory is to confirm the side plate is original since the serial number is not stamped on it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

BTW, S&Ws have yokes; Colts have cranes.

Stocks versus grips, too, IIRC.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

BTW, S&Ws have yokes; Colts have cranes.

I'm no ornithologist, but last time I looked, the yolk came first, then the crane. Or maybe it was the other way around.

 

[larstusor]

Thank you all for your prompt replies. Yes, a I am more familiar with Colt's than Smiths. Sorry for the faux pas.

 

[snw19_357]

Yokes on pre model number S&Ws are serialized too but it's much harder to see than the assembly number. You have to look through or remove the cylinder from the yoke to see it.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

^^^^^^^^

This is from a Chiefs Special (before they added Model 36). You
can see the assembly number on the yoke and next the serial
number on the yoke (2 shots).

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Cranes? With the weather turning I expect them any day now.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Cranes? We've got them down here in Florida year-round. They're big'uns too! Funny how the terminology of only some parts differs between S&W and Colt...both have barrels, cylinders, hammers, triggers, frames, sights, etc. But then you get into the whole yoke vs. crane and stocks vs. grips discussion. I wonder if Ruger, Charter Arms and others have their own terminology?

 

[JP@AK]

Cranes? We've got them down here in Florida year-round. They're big'uns too!

We have some serious thread drift here, but I'm compelled to add to it.

My wife loves to see the cranes come over our house in droves in the spring and autumn, on their migration north and south respectively. Their call and their legs hanging down distinguish them from the thousands of geese who also fly over in the same periods.

There is a field about a mile from our house, where the cranes land to rest. There will be a couple thousand of them there twice a year. Somewhere around here, I have pictures . . .

 

[Llance]

Yes, I'm a terrible person. Cranes came first, but the yoke is on us.

Sorry folks, I couldn't resist.

Llance

 

[Truckman]

Yes, I'm a terrible person. Cranes came first, but the yoke is on us.

Sorry folks, I couldn't resist.

Llance

Booooo...Hisssss......Ben

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Yokes? I’m known for bad yokes.
What’s the favorite ice cream flavor in the Philippines?
Manila!