Questions on a triple lock target

[epidoc]

I mentioned this pistol on the Forum before. It was one of those sent to North Carolina where it languish for over six years. I finally got it back and I've replaced the missing parts and have several questions. The serial number is in the early 14000 range. Does anyone have an estimate of the date of manufacturer?

The gun has been back to the factory twice. It has 5-20 and 32 stamped on the left side under left grip. I can see no month associated with the 32 stamp. Was this common to omit the month?

The grips are the correct walnut with a small gold medallion, but they thread from right to left, not left to right. Is this correct?

The side plate is unmarked. It fits tightly but there are no marks either on the outside or the inside. Is this possibly a factory replacement?

Are there any estimates of the number of target triple locks made?

 

[Muley Gil]

I would guess 1914.

I'm guessing the "32" is an inspector's stamp.

 

[frankynohankypanky]

Joseph,

I have a triple lock target no. 14292 that shipped January, 1918.

Frank, SWCA2052.

 

[murphydog]

I mentioned this pistol on the Forum before. It was one of those sent to North Carolina where it languish for over six years. I finally got it back and I've replaced the missing parts and have several questions. The serial number is in the early 14000 range. Does anyone have an estimate of the date of manufacturer?

The gun has been back to the factory twice. It has 5-20 and 32 stamped on the left side under left grip. I can see no month associated with the 32 stamp. Was this common to omit the month?

The grips are the correct walnut with a small gold medallion, but they thread from right to left, not left to right. Is this correct?

The side plate is unmarked. It fits tightly but there are no marks either on the outside or the inside. Is this possibly a factory replacement?

Are there any estimates of the number of target triple locks made?

The stock hardware has probably been switched to the opposite panel; as you know, almost all S & W revolvers have the screw going in through the left panel and threading into the right.

Does the finish on the sideplate differ from the rest of the gun, and do you see any evidence of a refinish? That 'may' have been the reason for the rework in 1932 but it is highly unlikely to find the repair record. Photos would help here.