Why would this Pre 29 Have Two Serial Numbers

[Club Gun Fan]

I'm curious to know, when these guns were built, at what point in production was the bottom of the butt stamped with the SN? Did the frame start down the line with that number already on the frame (and with or without the supposedly matching number in the yoke cut), or was the yoke cut number done first, with all its matching numbered parts, and the completed gun then stamped with the number on the butt?

Since all the matched parts, including the assembly numbers, are the same, and the butt stamped SN is different, could it just be a miss-stamped SN on the butt?

The serial number was stamped on the butt first. Thats the only number that matters.

 

[Jim Watson]

I believe the butt serial number is stamped first and the serial number stamped in the yoke cut, sometimes on the rear surface of the cylinder, and on the underside of the extractor should agree with it. However, in this case it does not and is most likely a factory error. I doubt if the final quality check would compare the serial number on the butt with the serial number in the yoke cut to make sure they agree.

Bill

Now maybe.
My .357 #S 139136 does not have the serial number on the frame under the yoke. Butt, barrel, cylinder, extractor, si; yoke cut, no.
I take that to have been the standard during the 1950s.

Strangely, my Outdoorsman #S 140694 does not have the serial number anyplace besides the bottom of the butt. Not on barrel or cylinder or extractor or yoke cut at all.

 

[Doc44]

The serial number was not stamped in the yoke cut until the Soft Fitting Department was eliminated in May 1957.

Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

What SN on the bill of sale and registration?
There are an awful lot of older target grip Smiths on the books by the fitting number.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

The serial number on the butt is the ONLY number that matters.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is the only number that matters to the BATF.

All that other stuff is an intriguing mystery to Smith owners.


A friend worked at the pawn & gun shop. A customer came in with a filed S&W. Friend gave him a few bucks on it and provided his ID to the BATF.
He was also able to point out the serial number at one of the non-official locations and at that time they were willing to return it to the owner it was stolen from.

 

[29-1]

The serial number was stamped on the butt first. That's the only number that matters.

Don say that one more time please!
Chuck