Two S&W Model 31-1 SN and manufacture/shipping date?

[Smolt Smython]

I want to determine the approximate manufacture/shipping date of two 3 " Model 31-1 revolvers.
I need to know if it is from 1975 or earlier and qualifies as a C&R.
One seller does not have the original box and will only disclose to me the SN as H265XX.
The other SN is H147925
I think from researching (and I may be wrong) that Model 31 production in 1975 started with H100001.

Any comments or advice is much appreciated.

 

[kscharlie]

The H prefix serial numbers were used on both the Model 30 and Model 31. Beginning serial number was H00001 starting in 1969. H265XX would be from 1970. H147925 would be from 1981.

My 31-1 is H117260 and was shipped in September, 1977.

 

[Bastogne71]

My 31-1, serial number H28354 was shipped in October 1970. Hope this helps.

 

[Smolt Smython]

Thanks for that information! It is very helpful.

 

[Smolt Smython]

@kscharlie,
I found another one 4" bbl in a little better condition at same price range and it has a 5 digit SN 66669, the frame under the cylinder crane is stamped 31-1 and printed on the box end opposite of the white paper sticker (box sticker matches gun SN) it says ".32 Regulation Police Model 31".
If 1969 production started with a H and six digits "100001" is it safe to say that this 5 digit serial numbered gun with matching old style "Regulation Police" box is safely within the range of being a C&R?
Thank you very much for your help with this, I'm ready to pull the trigger on this buy if it's a C&R!

 

[kscharlie]

Something is wrong here. The serial number 66669 came from 1906 - 1909. There is no way that could be a Model 31-1. It also could not be a .32 Regulation Police, as they were not produced until 1917. Also, the Model 31-1 began production in 1961 at serial number 712954.

All I can say is if the yoke is stamped "MOD 31-1" and there is no letter H prefix on the butt of the gun, then it is a C&R gun.

Pictures would really help. Entire gun, yoke showing "MOD 31-1" and butt serial number.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

@kscharlie,
I found another one 4" bbl in a little better condition at same price range and it has a 5 digit SN 66669, the frame under the cylinder crane is stamped 31-1 and printed on the box end opposite of the white paper sticker (box sticker matches gun SN) it says ".32 Regulation Police Model 31".

Colt = crane

Smith & Wesson = yoke

based on your screen name, I guess you might call it a croke

As Charlie said, there's something wrong. Maybe a number missing in the serial number. If the gun and box match, it cannot be 66669.

 

[Smolt Smython]

@kscharlie
My mistake, I made a typo error writing my post and omitted the "H" and I didn't catch it.
I revisited the pictures I saved, and as I thought when I first saw your reply the SN is indeed H66669.
I need to be more careful when I post.
I've estimated that this places it around 1972 but I'm not sure and S&W via phone call could only tell me that 1972 through 1976
Model 31-1 production was from H60001 to H99999.

 

[Smolt Smython]

@2bcowboy
a croke...hmmm I'll have to ponder that...you are correct my mistake in posting the SN without the "H".
Thank you!

 

[kscharlie]

Serial H66669 would "likely" have shipped a lot closer to 1972 than 1976. However, we all know that S&W did not ship guns in serial number order, they just grabbed one out of the bin. So, without a Letter of Authenticity, there is no way to know when it shipped. And the ship date is what determines it's eligibility for C&R status.

 

[Smolt Smython]

I agree