Serial Number question

[D Mac]

My Dad left me a M&P 38 that appears to be NIB. There is a letter from S&W that explains the gun was made in 1904.

The gun has a number on the butt that doesn't match the number under the yoke. The butt has 41444Y, the yoke has 40575.

What's the difference?

 

[Jimmyjones]

The number on the yoke is a factory tracking number, to keep all the fitted parts together. It has no meaning after the gun leaves the factory.

Never heard of a serial number ending with a Y

 

[rct269]

The yoke number is a "work number" with no significance after the gun is assembled. The butt number is the serial number (also typically found on the cylinder, barrel and several other pieces). In your case, however, there's a glitch. To the best of my knowledge, there are no letters to be found in pre-WWII serial numbers-----so your 'Y' is a mystery.

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside, I have two similar vintage M&P's, one on either side of yours. #21898, shipped 08/08/02, and #59794, shipped 02/26/06. Notably, there are no letters. I suspect your 'Y' may be an identification marking applied by a prior owner----perhaps a law enforcement or industrial entity. As such, it's still a mystery; because such markings are seldom single characters.

 

[D Mac]

If I can figure out how to post a picture I will, thanks gents.

 

[D Mac]

On closer inspect, its a 7, not a Y.

What does that make this pistol?

 

[wheelgun610]

On closer inspect, its a 7, not a Y.

What does that make this pistol?

About 20 years newer than the date you first mentioned. A serial number in the 414000's would be from maybe the 1923-'24 time frame.

A photo would be helpful....

Mark

 

[D Mac]

Pics, I hope.

As far know the gun has never been fired. The box of bullets were purchased with the gun and is still sealed.

 

[D Mac]

Here is a couple more...

 

[wheelgun610]

Good news: Pics worked and they were worth the wait. Great looking old gun, and in a condition range not often seen for one of that age.

The gun is indeed 1920's production by virtue of the 'MADE IN USA' on the right side of the frame. That began in about 1922 and was found on all S&W's since 1924.

Mark

 

[D Mac]

Awesome, thanks for the help.

Any idea how much I should insure it for?

 

[rct269]

You should insure it for less than $1,000. If you are a homeowner with Homeowners insurance, it's quite likely you already have coverage for myriad perils----including theft----maybe.

The typical Homeowners insurance contract provides coverage for theft of guns-----------up to $1,000. If you have several guns with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000 (or whatever your particular limit may be), then you should proceed according to your needs. If you have or acquire a collection of significant value, a Homeowners contract is not an appropriate vehicle---because of the rate/cost----compared to equal/superior coverage from a specialty company.

Step One: Determine what you already have---and decide if it's appropriate. If not-----------------------

Step Two: Get some PROFESSIONAL assistance----from an INDEPENDENT agent/broker.

Ralph Tremaine

Arguably the best in the business is Collectibles Insurance Services, LLC----in Maryland. Mr. Google can guide you.

 

[D Mac]

Thanks Ralph!

 

[DWalt]

It almost certainly shipped in late 1922. M&Ps from this period sometimes show up in excellent condition, but seldom with the original box. The cartridges are a nice bonus. No idea why the factory letter would be so far off on the date. Exactly what does the letter say?

 

[bob1956]

Very nice example, the condition is not often seen as these guns were working guns. I would separate the box from the gun for storage purposes. I would put some renwax or other protectant and store it in a treated gun sock. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[murphydog]

Several decades ago the factory would provide a very short letter verifying a gun's ship date. If you have a muiti-page letter with the model's history, signed by Roy Jinks (the factory historian) and an embossed seal, you have an official letter that someone paid to obtain. My guess is whomever requested the letter you have only provided the first 5 digits of the serial number, or the assembly number, in requesting the letter.

As others stated, it's a nice gun in exceptional condition with the box...I'd follow bob1956's recommendation about storage and check with your insurance for their rules but $800-1000 sounds about right. Hope this is helpful.