R stamped on the barrel flat

[chris66]

This is stamped on a pre 14. Does anyone know what it means or could might mean? Thanks!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I believe the R means it received service department work during the manufacturing process.

Wanting to validate what I recalled, I found this bit of info:

R or S mark–reported as “R” for Repair or “S” for Service. The usage of markings could vary depending on whom did the work. These marks could also be used on guns reworked in the factory before shipping.

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition (p. 90). Gun Digest Media. Kindle Edition.

 

[chris66]

Thanks Wiregrass!

 

[Alk8944]

Look closely, are you sure the letter isn't really a "B"? That would designate the original finish for the gun was blued.

 

[Hondo44]

The R or S is stamped following the serial number and near the frame.
Sometimes hard to tell if it's an R or a B; use magnification to view it.

If it is a B and it's before the serial number it means the gun was originally blued at the factory (not used much after WWII.)

After WWII and prior to ~1956 when the standard finish was satin blue, if the optional Bright blue was ordered a large B is stamped after the serial number, and is often laying on its side on guns with an extractor shroud.

 

[JP@AK]

That would designate the original finish for the gun was blued.

I have never seen the B for "blue" on a postwar revolver. By that time, an N was used for nickel, but blue was standard fare, so the B was not stamped on the barrel flat. The exception was on early units, when a capital B was used to designate the non-standard bright blue.

 

[chris66]

Thanks fellas.