Wish to confirm Mfg. Date based upon S&W Product Code ?

[dpast32]

Good Morning Kids, I took a Photo yesterday of the Box Label from my S&W Model 19-5, .357 Magnum 4” Blue, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service Contact. Although I did speak with Roy Jinks many years ago about it, he said that it appeared to be from a March 1988 Contract of 688 pieces, IIRC. My Question here is from what I understand as to how to decipher the Product Code data, it doesn’t correlate to what I see on the Label ? Soooo, if anyone amongst us would be so kind as to advise me on this issue, I would be most appreciative. THANK YOU !!

Best, Dom P.

 

[murphydog]

When the last three digits of the Special Order code exceed 366 (or the number of days in a year), there is a strong likelihood that it is really a special order code and not a Julian date.

A few ways to get more information - finding someone else here with the same model and box label, a letter of authenticity, or joining the SWCA and posing a question to Roy Jinks.

 

[murphydog]

Sorry, I see you were asking about the Product Code. But the ways to the answer are the same as above, I think.

 

[dpast32]

THANKS Alan, Very much appreciated !! I knew that the information I received, coming directly from Roy Jinks almost assuredly was correct. We only had a very brief conversation, but honestly I was quite pleased to even have that. Even as I purchased it, I knew something wasn't right about it, for at that particular time , the only M19's with 4" RB configuration were the small Run for the US Naval Investigation Service [ N.I.S. ] with some of which were provided for FBI use. And, like you said to do, some time back I did Post a Query concerning this somewhat unusual M-19, & did thankfully receive some interesting & informative Replies. Unfortunately though, none of them were definitive in regards to providing the firm data I was really seeking ?

Best, Dom P.

 

[snw19_357]

...definitive in regards to providing the firm data I was really seeking ?

What is the firm data you are seeking?

Since your 4" RB M19-5 is a special order, the Spec Ord number is not a date but an internal S&W number. I think the only way to get a firm answer would be to letter it. The special order number may appear on the invoice.

 

[dpast32]

That's true, & even then a Factory Letter either may, or may not be exactly what you were looking for ? I guess at the moment, what I'm really looking for would be the relevant Contract Information, specifically Total Quantity Mfg'd, Years of Production, any available information regarding number of Production Runs related to this Model, with applicable numbers included by Run, & of course, the Contract Recipient / End User. And we know from previous Letters that Letter content can vary, depending upon what information is available for that particular Model, or Contract ? I'm not er sure as to what a Letter is going for these days, & I I'm relatively certain that the 'wait time' is still quite long. All in all though, & even with the information I was so kindly provided by Roy Jinks years ago, I feel that a Letter would probably only add to its overall value should I ever decide to part with it ? Also, at least now I know that this 19's Product Code # is not related in any way to the Production, & or Shipping Date, as they sometimes are.

Best, Dom P.

 

[Alk8944]

No one seems to have noticed the SN on the box label is AYYxxxx. AYY numbers are from 1988, like Jinks told you.

 

[murphydog]

No one seems to have noticed the SN on the box label is AYYxxxx. AYY numbers are from 1988, like Jinks told you.

Not what he was asking:

"My Question here is...how to decipher the Product Code data, it doesn’t correlate to what I see on the Label ?"

 

[Hawg Rider]

Not what he was asking:

"My Question here is...how to decipher the Product Code data, it doesn’t correlate to what I see on the Label ?"

BACKSTORY:
According to the "SCSW 4th Ed.", standard Model 19-5s were introduced in 1982 and continued until the 19-6 was released in 1988. Product Codes were first used in 1984. The S&W Product Code (100704) on Pg 220 shows 2 special versions: 4" B RB State-Dept 1988 Model 19-5/Kentucky Corrections.
1.) Kentucky Corrections Commemorative (Pg 218), Limited Edition 1984, 1 of 53...with the Seal of Kentucky on the sideplate. 4" blue 19-5 with smooth target grips. Product Code 100704 (example had s/n of ACR9232).
2.) U.S. Dept. of State (Pg 219), 4" B RB Model 19-5 with no markings; 660 pieces shipped in March 1988 with s/n prefix AYYxxxx; Product Code 100704 (Pg 219).

Mr. Jinx correctly identified the revolver as 2.) above. All the information on dpast32's label appear to jive with the Product Code information provided in SCSW 4th Ed for the Dept of State special order.

However, I don't think that S&W Product Codes can be deciphered like other modern day SKUs/Product Codes. I believe that the 6-digit PCs are S&W-specific to identify features of particular firearms, and not so much for providing production year, etc. That usually appears in the Special Order code. I think the only way to break the S&W PCs is with an Enigma machine! Perhaps other Forum members have more insight.