Serial Number on Cylinder?

[yfdcap]

I have a model 29-2 serial # S2315xx dating to 1962-63 that has serial on cylinder, extractor and frame but not barrel. No diamonds or other markings as discribed here to indicate a repair or refinish.

 

[Hondo44]

Mike...Again, no answer, only that S&W did continue to number the extractor.

Bill

Bill,

Post #13: "Extractor stars....were numbered from the early Hand Ejector models through about 1980. They were numbered because the ratchet lugs had been fitted to each particular gun's lockwork, and it would be separated from the gun at some points of finishing. This is true for blue, nickel, and stainless guns. Regards, Lee Jarrett"

Then the new shaped stars replaced the old symmetrical stars and were no longer stamped.

 

[Nicksterdemus]

You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3* locations that always match on guns that are original, and that’s the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory: still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased..

I can think of one other unintended use for those assembly numbers. If you end up w/couple of older revolvers that are missing the grip frame butt SN you can check to see if the other SN match and if all three of the assembly numbers match. Of course including the yoke which will have an assembly number and a serial number.

You may never know why the SN on the butt was shaved smooth or cut out and re-stamped w/assembly number, but you can w/almost certainty conclude if all those matching numbers went w/that frame. If they don't match, especially the assembly number on the yoke, then it becomes much more dicey.

 

[gmborkovic]

Why did the new shaped stars replace the old symmetrical stars and were no longer stamped with a Sn.? Fair inquiry. Best, Mike 2796

 

[Hondo44]

I have a model 29-2 serial # S2315xx dating to 1962-63 that has serial on cylinder, extractor and frame but not barrel. No diamonds or other markings as discribed here to indicate a repair or refinish.

I would consider them original parts.

As Roy often reminds us: Smith and Wesson dates of change are never absolute and there was most always a transition period for changes; sometimes of great length.

 

[Hondo44]

Why did the new shaped stars replace the old symmetrical stars and were no longer stamped with a Sn.? Fair inquiry. Best, Mike 2796

Hi Mike,

It's been reported as an "improvement" which to me translates to production efficiency/cost reduction. Since SN is no longer stamped, apparently more generic fitting and less hand fitting required. This was the same general period that pinned barrels and recessed chambers were deleted. The asymmetrical shape negates the need for locating pins; that and the flat sided shaft instead of milled channel definitely cut maching time.

Those few new models I have with the new stars seem to function as well as the old.

P.S. My roses are suffering with this drought. We've now been limited to yard watering only 2 days per week!