Serial Number question

Alpo

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Pre-war hand ejectors have a flat spot on the bottom of the barrel just in front of the frame. The serial number is stamped on this flat spot.


This applies to pistols that do not have an ejector shroud.


For ones that DO have an ejector shroud - a 38/44, for example, or a Triplelock - do they have the number on the bottom of the barrel also? If so, is it stamped on the bottom of the shroud, or on the bottom of the barrel where you could see it through the opening of the shroud with the cylinder open?


I have several pre-war hand ejectors, but none with a shroud, so I can't check for myself.
 
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Usually there will also be a B in the ejector shroud area near the serial too, if gun was originally a blued gun. The flat under the barrel in non shrouded guns is also a good spot to see if there is a b or B or N. Most pre war nickel guns will not have an N, just the serial under barrel flat if original nickel finish. Hope this helps
 
Triple locks have tiny #s in front end of the shroud stamped; sideways if over 3 numerical digits, otherwise horizontal as shown below, B15:

barrel_sn.jpg

Photo by CptCurl
 
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The # in the yoke is an assembly.

ASSEMBLY (factory work) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the 'yoke cut' on frame opposite the yoke near the hinge (usually accompanied with the inspector's letter or # code stamp of approval, but not always), and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period thru ~early 1958.

After 1957 Model #s were assigned and stamped on the frame in the yoke cut. The serial # was soon after added in the 'yoke cut' as well and the assembly # moved to the left side of the grip frame parallel to the butt. More currently beginning in the 1980s we see non-matching multi-digit numbers parallel to the butt left or right side, and inside the side plate. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly # is to confirm the three parts it's stamped on, are original to the gun. These are still in use to this day.
 
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