Smith and Wesson “&” symbol change

[eliphant]

I noticed that Smith and Wesson changed their “&” symbol at some point. Does anyone know the year they did this? I also noticed that stop adding two symbols on either side of the .22 long rifle on the side of the model 41 barrel, does anyone know when they made this change? I see the two over lapped as I see barrels with the old and new logo with and without the symbols. Thanks guys.

 

[civil1977]

It's called an Ampersand and there was not a specific year in which the change occurred. Early to mid 1970s seems to be the transition period, at least in terms of Model 41s. Remember parts were made and put in bins and first in was usually last out so there is overlap with changes such as these.

Also, Model 41 mags all seem to have the lazy ampersand on the base plate so other features must be used to date them.

Model 41-1 .22 Short mags.....hint, you can tell by the stainless steel pins.

 

[eliphant]

civil1977, thank you that is helpful.

 

[bp231986]

Neat, i dint know they did.

 

[Engine49guy]

Actually the Ampersands changed several times through the years,
A while back Doc44 posted some pics of many early "Big Butt" ampersands that were really great,
I believe member SNW19 (Chris) catalogs them as well on Model 19's and 66's especially.
I actually ike the older "Big Butts" but there is one from the early 70's that looks like 8c thats particularly weird.

 

[Harry_Callahan]

for N Frames read this:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/blogs/doc44/62-ampersands-used-n-frame-revolvers-part-i.html